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PREMIUM HISTORY. 



HISTORY 

OF THE 

UNITED STATES, 

FU05I THEIR 

FIRST SETTLEMENT AS COLONIES, 

TO THE 

CLOSE OF THE WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN 
IxV 1815. 

TO WHICH IS ADDED 

QUESTION S9 

ADAPTED TO THE USE OF SCHOOLS. 



• • ' " Ci/itas, incrodibile memoriitu est, adcpta libcrtatc, «iiamum brevf 
fc • erevorit.'' — Sallust. 



fS NEW-YORK: 

S;-; \ STEREOTYPED BV GEORGE B. LOTHIAW. 

tf':\ PUBLISHED ay collins and hannay, 230 pearl-strebt. 

|':.?N-"^'- 183a 

.t • ■• : ,■. 
«:,■■ •■ ?■■ • 

••j WILLIAM C. dean, PRINTER, 



Sovthrrn Pintrict of JVew York, ss 

HE IT REMEMHEREl). Tluu on (he 22d day of Augnst, in the 5(Mh 
year of ilie inik'!>ciideiicc ol the I'nited Stares of Anieru;a, Charles Wiley, 
ol ilii* stiid DisiricJ, liatli (leDosiiod in tliis olMie >!ie title of a book the 
ri;ilu whcreiore he claims as proprietor, in the words /ollowins, to wit . 

History of the IJnited States, Croin their First SeUleui'Mit as Colonics, 
to the dose of the War with Great Hrilain, in 1815. 

" Civitas, incredibile inenioraiu est, adejita lii)e:tate, quantum brevi 
trevorit."- Sitllus'.. 

In conlornuty i-t the Act of the Congress ol the United States, entitled 
"An Ac: lor the < ni-ouragenient of Learninji, by securing the copies of 
Maps, (.'harts, and Hooks, to the anthors and proprietors of such copies, 
• dnrinji the iiinh therein mentioned " And also lo an Act. entitled " An 
Act, supplementary to an Act. entitletl an Act lor the cncouragenicnt of 
I.earninji. by seciirini; the copies of Maps, Charts, and IJooks, lo tha 
authors and proprict<)rs of such copies, during the limes therein men- 
tioned, ami extend:!i)i the bene'.its thereof to the arts of designing, engrav- 
ing, ajtit etcliiinf historical ami otlier prints." 

JAMES UiLL, Ctak of tlu Southern District of Xcw York 






At a meeting of the American Academy of Language 
and Belles Lettres, held at the City-IIall, in the city of 
New- York, October 80, 1820, — Hon. Brockholst Livin 
ston, First Vice President, in the chair; Rev. John 
ll<imf!yn, I). I). Clerk, — the following preamble and reso- 
lution, offerf^d by W. S. Cvi'-deli, Ks(|. seconded by the Hev. 
l)oct( r Wainwrijrhi, were unanimously adopted : 

As the proper educaiion of youth is, in all cominimities 
closely connected with national prosperity and lionor; and 
as it is particularly important in the United States, tiuit 
the rising generati(»n should possess a correct knowledge 
of their own country, and a patriotic attachmeait to its wel- 
fare ; — 

Hksolved, that a premium of not less than four hundred 
dollars, aiid a gold medal worth fifty dollars, be given to 
the author, bei..g an American citizen, who, within two 
years, shall produce the best written history of the United 
States, and which, with such history, shall contain a suit- 
able exposition of the situation, (character, and interests, 
absolute and relative, of tlie American Republic: calcu- 
lated for a class-book in academies and schools. This work 
is to be exantined and approved by a ccmimittee of the 
institution, in reference to the interest of its matter, the 
justness of its facts and principles, the purity, perspicuity, 
and elegance of its style, and its adaptation to its in- 
tended purpose. 

By order of the Academy, 

ALEX. Mc LEOD, Ilec'g. Sct'ry. ' 

The undersigned, being appointed a committee with full 
powers to examine the several works submitted, and award 
tbe medal and premium in pursuance of the above res(;lu- 
tion, baving perused f(»ur books offered by different authors, 
according to the conditions required, have selected one as 
being the best of the four; and after referring it to its au- 
thor for such minor correct icuis as might render it more 
acce|)table to the public, do now finally adjudge said medal 
and premium to be due to the writer of the work recently 
printed, entitled, 

*' A HiSTORv of the United St/^tes, from their first 
Settlement as Colonies, to the close of the War with 
Great Britain, in 1815. 

"fivii.is, incredibile meinuratu est. adepta libertate. quantum brcvl cro» 
"ttril." — isaUu^t. 

VVM. P. VAN NESS, > 

ALEXR. Mc I.EOD, ^Commlueo. 

JACOB MORlviX. . N 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 
Introduction -••--•- 7 

History of Virginia - - - - - - 15 

Massachusettd ------- OfJ 

Nevv-Manipsliire ------ 55 

(^oiJiecticut ------- 59 

Rhode Island -GO 

New- York (18 

New- Jersey -------84 

Delaware -------87 

Penns>f /ania --•---. 81) 

Maryland 1)3 

Norili-Caiolina ------- yo 

South-Carolina - - - « • • -loO 
Georgia - - - - - • - 105 

French War of 175G-63 110 

Revolution - - - - - - -126 

Revolution - - - - - - - 189 

Expedition against Canada - - - - 159 

(Campaign of 1776 - - - - - - H!9 

Campaign of 1777 - - - - - - 179 

C'ampaign of 1778 ------ 189 

Campaign of 1779 - - - - - - 194 

Campaign of 1780 ------ 198 

('atnpaign of 1781, and termination of the War - 20G 
Adoption of the Constitution, and Washington's Ad- 
ministration ------- 218 

Mr. Adams's, Mr. Jefferson's, and part of Mr. Madi- 
son's Administration — Declaration of War - 2.37 
Campaign of 1812 - - - - - 253 

Campaign of 1813 - - - - - - 259 

Camjiaign of 1814— Conclusion of the War - 2'^'Z 

Appendix -------- 2^4 



PREFACE. 



TTIE following work was begun many ye?.;s since: 
llip appearance, soon after, of several books, on a plan 
nearly similar, and the want of sufficient leisure, induced 
the Author to relinquish his design. Perceiving, from 
the subsequent offer of a premium for the best written 
work of the kind, that another was wanted, lie resumed 
and completed his undertaking. 

It was his purpose to present a correct and interesting 
narrative of all the important events in the history of his 
country : to exhibit, in a strong light, the principles of 
political ind religious freedom which our forefathers pro- 
fessed, and for wliichthey fought and conquered ; to record 
the numerous examples of fortitude, courage, and patriot- 
ism, which have rendered them illustrious ; and to produce, 
not so much by moral reflections, as by tiie tenor of the 
narrative, virtuous and patriotic impressions upon the mind 
of the reader. It was his aim to render the book woithy 
to be read, not only in the academies and schools of his 
country, but by that very numerous portion of his fellow 
citizens, who have seldom the opportunity to peruse more 
voluminous productions ; and by those who might wish to 
review their studies, and fix in their memory the succes- 
sion of events : and it was also his aim to exhibit a style 
whicl should be correct and i-urc ; should be free from 
ambitious ornament, and from those faults with which the 
writers of this country have been too justly chargrd. Ha 
by no means supposes that he has accomplished all he 
aimed at. 

It was thought indispensible that a history, intended to 
be accessible to all, should c<uitain some account of tiia 

A 2 



PREFACE. 

i'^'zTr'''. s'.""-r ::' ::.5 union : in crier thai minj pr?^ 
: . - - - .7:2 of ifnoMnce, iri^nt Uc runoTed : ar.d 

tiiacinc - ene:-'?, ^r.ich most flow &am an ac 

c =;-•-.-. . .... :n5 nis: .r/ of a single state odij, might 

rd. It was the correct reniaxk of an able wriier, 
i:,2j. ir^r: historv of o»]onies generally affords bat two ia- 
teres*.mg eras, that of their setileaaent, and that irf their 
independence. To bo:h of these the aiithor has more 
par ioQ- 

Lt. : ... _. no book can do good thsX 

is not 5. great book, coosider that ererr American shc^ild 
be 1 i wiih the historv of his coontrv, and thi". a 

Tol.-^ ... _^ nistory would not be read by one twen:ie:h 
part of the prpdaiicMi ; that, on most minds, the same or 
even St: -ions w-; -vork well 

written -.. .. ; -.— . of this, ..._„ . _ -.e, and of 

coarse often tedious, detail of erery event ; that *he c^m- 
sal of such a work, in earlj life, most ex: : -; 

gratify cariosity ; that mach, rery maeh g._ e 

dune, should a knowledge of the important erents be 
cwamanicated. and correct impressions be given, to t : se 
who would otherwise remain entirely ignorant : and that, 
in fact, this book contains more than many an octavo ol 
high pri -2. 

But while is is important that no American citizen 
should be ignorant of the p.nncipal events in the historv 
of his conntry, it is the indispenaible duty of ail, who 
jan enV'V the opportani'../, to read and to srauy the larger 
and more particular histories which have been iHsblished. 

Tnere is lit*Ie danger t^ at thi'* small and favored class 
will neglect this duty. The danger is greater, that much 
the most numerous portion of toe oop^larioa — that ptir- 
tioa in whc»e hands are the destinies of the republic — 
wo-i!d read nothing on the subject sho^c ..ipensive worka 
only be published. 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



UNITED STATES. 



INTRODUCTIOX. 



Thz continent of America was probably nnknovm to the 
anLi^tits. It" uncv.* known, as some have supposed, to thr 
C:tnl*.a^inians, the Scandinavians, and the Welsh, al) 
ki.owiedge of it was afterwards lost. The discovery of 
t' '^ p^.pncive region, constituting nearly one half of the 
I ^, was the accidental result of the attempts, 

r nfieenth centurj-, to find a Dassa4:e, by sea 

fnan the ports of Eunipe to the Kast Indies, whose pre- 
cious commodities were then transported, over land, by a 
.^iiigi dangerous, and exp*-nsive route. 

2. This passage was univetsally sought by sailing south, 
along the western coasts of Korope and Africa, in the hope 
of finding the termination of the continent, when the Indies, 
it wa3 st:pp*)sed, might be attained, by taking at first an 

-nd then a northerly course. The discovery of 
of Good Hope, in I l^^T, enconrased expectation, 
:..,:i gavr increafied activity to the spirit of adventure. 

3. Among the navigators of that age, Christopher Co- 
) :s, a native of the republic of Genoa, was distingiiish- 

- '^XDerience and skill in his profession, for extensive 
_e, and for a b«)id and original genius. The shape 
< : -.r.i -i.nh, then known to be round, and the fact that 
pieces of carved wood, a cant>e, and two human bodies, of 
a complc'xion different from that of EuroTjeans, had been 
driven, by long westerly winds, up^.r the shores of islands 
contiguous to Eoiope, sug2*r5ted to his observing mind the 
project of seeking the East Indies by sailing directly west. 



$ INTRODUCTION. 

4. Unable to defray the expenses of an expedition, he 
Bought first the assistance of his native city. His coun- 
trymen, acviistomed only to cruisinjyf, in frail vessels, along 
the shoros of the continent, treated the project as chimeri- 
cal, and ieclined furnishing aid. A pr'^ssing application to 
the king ot' Portugal, in whose dominions he liad resided, 
met likewise with ridicule and reiection* Persevering in 
his purpose, he then sent his broliier, Barlhoh)mew, to 
England, to apply to Henry VI I, and went hiinselt" to 
Spain, which was then governed by Ferdinand and Isa- 
bella, from whom he solicited assistance. 

5. For a hmg time he solicited in vain. At length the 
queen persuaded hy his representations, became his friend 
and patron. By her directions, three small vessels were 
fitted out, and h? was authorised to sail wiili these upon 
his projected voyage of discovery. On the third of Au- 
gust, 14'.)-3, he departed from Palos, in Spain, directing his 
course towards the Canary Islands. 

6. He stopped there to refit, and, on the sixth of Sep- 
tember, boldly adventured into seas wliicii no vessel had 
yet entered, with no chart to direct him, no guide hut his 
compass, and without any knowledge ol' the tides or cur- 
rents which might interrupt his course. He moved rapidly 
before the trade wind, which blows invariably from the 
east to the west between the tropics, judiciously conceal- 
ing from his ignorant and tirrid crews the |)rogress he made, 
lest they might be alarmed at the speed with which they 
receded from home. 

7. About the fourteenth of September, he was distant 
nearly six hundred miles from the most westerly of the 
Canaries, and here the magnetic needle was observed to 
vary from its direction to the polar star, and incline towards 
the west ; an appearance which, although now familiar, 
had never before been observed. 

8. Columbus and his companions were alarmed. They 
were far from land, and far from the tracks of other navi- 
gators. All before and around them was unknown, and 
their only guide seemed to be no longer entitled to their 
confidence. But although alarmed, Columbus lost not his 
presence of mind. He assigned a reason for the variation, 
which, without satisfying liimself, silenced the murmurs 
of ids companions. 

9. But the interval of quiet and suhor Jination was short, 
Disaffeeliun soon reappear-^d among the ignorant and 
wavering, and, gradually spreading, at length pervaded the 



INTRODUCTION. 

trhole squadron. The men blamed their sorereign for 
listenir^ to the schemes of a dreaming adventurer. Tlie 
indications of land had all proved fallacious. They would 
be amiis(!d and deceived no longer. They agreed that Co- 
lumbus should be forced to relinquish an undertaking which 
seemed to promise nothing but destruction ^and some of 
the iuore daring talked of throwing him into the sea, as a 
visionary projector, whose death would cause no regret, 
and prochicc no inciuirj^ 

10. Amidst these difficulties, Columbus displayed those 
traits of character which proved the greatness of his mind, 
and his peculiar fitness for the arduous duties of his sta- 
tion. He appeared with a steady and cheerful countenance^ 
as if satisfied with what he had done. jiSometimes he 
soothed his compHuions by holding out to fnem a prospect 
of richos and of fame, and by oftering a gratuity to him 
who should first discover land. Sometimes he assumed a 
tone of authority, threatening them with the vengeance of 
their sovereign, and everlasting infamy, should they com- 
pel him to abandon the undertaking"^^ 

11. These encouragements and (Tireats prevented open 
and forcible resistance to his authority. Meanwhile the 
scjuadron proceeded onwarrl ; the indications of land had 
become Irequent, and convinced him that it could not be 
far distant. But his crew were unconvinced, and their 
discontent increased. Assembling tumultuously on deck, 
they demanded to be conducted back to Spain. As a last 
expedient, he proposed that they should continue on their 
course three days longer, and if, in that time, land should 
not be discovered, he would then comply with their demand. 

12. Thev consented. Before the time expired, Colum- 
bus, on thqfl 1th of Octobem at midnight, saw a light glim- 
mering at a distance. " A Tight ! a light !'' was the joyful 
exclamation, which Instantly resounded through the squad- 
r')n. On the a[)proach of morning, all hands stood gazing 
intently in the direction where land, it was expected, would 
be discovered. ♦ 

13. Soor, on board the Piiita, the most forward vessel, 
was heard the cry of " Land ! land !" which was repeated, 
with almost frantic delight, by the crews of the other ves- 
sels. Passing from one extreme to the other, they, who a 
few days before had reviled and insulted their commander, 
now regarded him as one whom the Deity had endowed 
with knowledge and penetration above the common lot of 
mortals. 



to INTRODUCTION. 

14. At sunrise, Columbus, in a rich and splendid dress, 
landed, and, with a drawn sword in his hand, and v'isp! ly- 
inf,'The royal standard, took possession ofthe island for the 
crown ot" Spain, all liis Ibjiowers kneeling on the shore 
and kissing the trround with tears oi' jo}'. The natives, 
who had asserijhied m great nunihers on the first appear- 
ance of" the ships, siood around the Spaniards, ijazingin 
speechless astonishment. 

15. "'I'he Europeans were hardly less amazed at the 
scene before them. Every herl), and shrub, ard tree wa« 
different fnnii those which flourished in Europe, 'i^he in- 
habitants appeared in the simple Innocence of nature, en- 
tirely naked. Their black hair, long and uncurled, floated 
upon their shoii||iers or was bound in tresses around their 
fieads. Though not tall, they were well shaped and active. 
'^I'hey were shy at first, through fear, but soon became fa- 
miliar with the Spaniards ; from whom, with transports of 
jiiy, they received various trinkets, for which in return 
they gave such provisicuis as they had, and some cotton 
yarn, the oidy c:)nm:odity of value they could produce." 

10. To this island Columbus gave the nnmeof San Sal- 
vador. The natives called it (iuanahani, and by that 
name it is now known. It is one of the Bahama isles, i.iid 
is above three thousand miles from Gomera, the most 
western of the (Canaries. From ths poverty and ignorance 
of the inhahitants, Columbus was convinced that he^ had 
not yet arrived at the rich country which was the object 
of his search. Leaving Cuanahani, he discovered and 
visited several other islands, and at length arrived at one 
calledHHayti, and by him Hispaniola. Here he remained 
a few weeks, a.id then returned to Spaii^ 

17. The news of his vvonderftil discovery fill^ the king- 
dom with ast(»nishment and Joy. p^is reception at court 
was acct)mpanied by flattering anil splendid ceremonies 
ordained for the occasion ; and he was honored by many 
proofs of royal favor^ He made three subsp(|uent voyages, 
and, infl4*'R| discovered the continent of America, at the 
mouth of the Oronoco, a river of the third or fourth mag- 
nitude in the New World, but far surpassing the largest 
in the Old. 

18. The honor, however of first discovering the conti- 
nent, must, without diminishing the m^rit of Colum-hus, 
he given to John Cabot and his son Sebastian. Thry were 
Venetians by birth, but, soon after the result of the first 
voyage of Columbus was known, were sent, by the kmg 



INTRODUCTION, 1* 

of England, on an expedition of discovery, in the same di- 
rection. In June, 14D7, they arrived at the island of New- 
foundland, in North America, and, proceeding westward, 
soon alter reached the continent. It heing their object 
also to find a direct passage to the East Indies, they first 
Bailed northwardly in search of it, as far as the 57th de- 
gree ol" latitude ; then, returning, cruised along the coast 
to East Florida; and tlience sailed to England without 
having made any settlement. .Upon the discoveries mado 
in this voyage the English founded their claim to the east- 
ern portion of Noith America. 

10. In 141)9, Alonza de Ojeda, a companion of Colum- 
bus in his first expedition, sailing under the patronage of 
several Portuguese merchants, discovered the continent 
at Paria, in the 5ih degree of north latitu'de. Americus 
Vespuciiis, a Florentine gentleman wlio accompanied him, 
l)i'.!)lishe(l, on his return, an account of the voj'age and a 
iiesfriiiti'in of the country which they had visited; and 
Irom liim it derives the name it bears. 

•JO. In 1501, several adventurous navigators, from dif- 
ferent parts ot" France, came, in small vessels, to fish on 
the banks of Newfoundland. In 1524, John Verrazzano, 
a Florentine, in the employment of the king of France, 
sailed along the coast ef Am.erica, from Florida to the 50th 
degree of north latitude. He is supposed to have entered 
the harbour of New-York. He made, the next year, ano- 
ther voyage, from which he never returned, nor is it known 
by what disaster he perished. 

21. During the next forty years, frequent voyages were 
made to the coast of North America. Of some, the object 
was fishing; of others, trade with the natives. In 1540, 
the French made an attempt to plant a colony in Canada, 
which was unsuceefsful. 

22. The religious wars which afflicted France in the 
sixt(;enth century, induced that illustrious statesman, Jas- 
per Coligni, the head of the Protestant sect, to project, in 
1502, a settlement in America, tu which his brethren 
miglit retire from the persecution of the Catholics. Fit- 
ting nn two ships, he sent them thither Mnder the com- 
mand of John Ribaut, who landed at a place supposed to 
be within the limits of South Carolina, built a fort, left a 
part oi'his men, and returned to France. 

23. Tlie men who were left, soon after mutinied, killed 
their ct)mmander, built and equipped a vessel and put to 
Be<u Having been out several weeks and consumed aiJ 



12 INTRODUCTION. 

their provisions, one of their number, who consented to be 
made a victim to save his comrades, was killed and eaten. 
A few days afterwards, they were taken u|) by an English 
vessel and carried to England. This was the first attempt 
to plant a colony within the limits of the United Stales ; 
and it is worthy of remark, that to s»^cure an asylum from 
religious persecution was ihc object in view. Coligni af- 
terwards sent a party to Florida, who were treacherously 
massacred by the Spaniards. 

24. In 1583, Sir Huriiphrey Gilbert,|having received 
from queen Elizabeth a grant of such '^"remcite, heatJien, 
and barbarous lands" as he might discover and occupy, 
fitted out a squadron of five ships, and sailed for America. 
On arriving before St. John, iu Newfoundland, he found 
thirty-six vessels fishing iu the harbor. He landed and 
took possession of the country in the name of his sovereign. 
On his return to England, he suffered shijAvreck and 
perished. 

25. The next year. Sir Walter Raleigh, di-tinguished 
in the history of England as a gallant knight and a« the 
favorite of the (jueen, obtained a renewal of the patent 
granted to Sir Humphrey, who was his half brother, and 
despatched to America two ships commanded by captains 
Amidas and Barlovv% They first landed on an island in 
the inkt to Pamplico sound, then proceeded to the isle of 
Roanoke at the mouth of Albemarle sound, in North Caro- 
lina, and at both places were treated with great respect by 
the natives. 

2P». f laving freighted their sliips with furs, sassafras, 
and cedar, they returned to England, where they published 
marvellous accounts of the beauty of the country, the fer- 
tility of the soil, the mildness of theciimate, and the in- 
nocence of the natives. The queen vas so charmed with 
the description, that, as a memorial that the country had 
been discovered during the reign of a virgin queen, she 
called it Virginia. 

27. The next year, Raleigh sent from England seven 
vessels, commanded by Sir Richard Grenville, and carry- 
ing upwards of one hundred per=!ons, destined to bpgin a 
settlement. They were left under Ralph Lane, on Roa- 
noke island. The success of the Spaniards in finding gold 
in South America, led these adventurers to employ their 
time in a fruitless search for it here. In 1586, they were 
visited by Sir Francis Drake, who, at their request, con- 
veyed them back to England. Lane carrying home a 



INTRODUCTION. 13 

quantity of tobacco, the Indian custom of smoking it was 
adopted by Raleigh, a man of gaiety and fashion, and in- 
troduced at court. 

28. Soon after Drake departed, Grenviile again arrived 
witli provisions for the settlement. Finding it abandoned, 
he loft fifteen men to keep possession of the country. In 
1087, three other ships were sent to the same place, but 
the men who had been left could not be found, having pro- 
bably been murdered by the savages. After remaining a 
few weeks pn the coast, the ships returned to England, 
leaving one hundred and seventeen, men on the island. 
War then existing between England and Spain, two years 
elapsed before the coast was again visited. In that period 
the whole number perished ; but in what manner has never 
been ascertained. Thus ended the exertions of Raleigh 
to plant a ecdony in America. 

•2d. These successive misfortunes withdrew, for several 
years, the attention of the English from these distant re- 
gions. In l()0-2, Bartholomew Gosnold made a voyage to 
America. Instead of taking the circuitous, but usual route, 
by the West India islands, he steered directly west from 
England, shortening the voyage at least one third, and ar- 
rived, in May, on the^oast of Massachusetts. He disco- 
vered a headland, and taking a great quantity of codfish 
near it, called it Cape Cod. Proceeding southwardly, he 
passed Gay Head, entered Buzzard's bay, and upon an 
island within it eri-cted a small Ibrt, the ruius of which 
were visible so late as 1797. After trading a while with 
the Indians he returned home. 

30. 'The report made by Gosnold revived the spirit of 
adventure. In 1603 and 1G05, two voyages were made 
in the same direction, and Penobscot bay, Massachusetts 
bay, and the rivers between them Were discovered. The 
accounts given by the last navigators confirmed the report 
of (vosnold, and led to a more extensive scheme of coloni- 
zation tlian had yet been attempted. 

31. Of this scheme, Mr. Richard Hakluyt was the most 
active promoter. By his persuasion an association of gen- 
tlemen, in different parts of the kingdom, was formed for 
the pur!)()se of sending colonies to America. Upon their 
application to kii^g James, he, by letters patent, dated in 
1(>06, divided the country of Virginia, then considered as 
extending from the southern boundary of North Carolina to 
the northern boundaiy of Maine, into two districts, and con- 
stituted two coii:p.'inL^s for planting colonies within them. 

B 



14 INTRODUCTION. 

32. The southern district he granted to Sir Thomas 
Gates and his asbociales, chiefly resident in London, and 
therefore styled the London (Company. The northern 
district he granted to Thomas Hanham and his associates, 
who were styled the Plymouth Company. The two dis- 
tricts were styled South and N'>rth Virginia. The meni- 
hersofthese companies were principally merchants; their 
ohjects were the extension of commerce and the discovery 
of mines of the precious metals, which were supposed to 
abound in North as well as in South Anierica. 

33. For the supreme government of the colonies, a grand 
council was instituted, the members of which were to re- 
side in Kngland, and to be appointed by the king. The 
subordinate jurisdiction was committed to a council in each 
colony, the members of which were to be appointed by the 
grand council in England, and to be governed by its 
inctructions. To the emigrants and their descendants 
were secured the enjoyment of all the rights of denizens 
or citizens, in the same manner and to the same extent as 
if they had remained or been born in England. 

34. Before the date, however, of these letters patent, 
the king (»f Frai.ce granted to the Sieur I)e Moots all the 
territory from the 4()th to the 4r)th degree of north latitude, 
or from New-Jersey to Nova Scotia, then called Acadia. 
By virtue of this grant a settlement was made in 1604, on 
the sr.uth eastern side of the bay of Fundy, and called Port 
Royal. In IOCS, Samuel Champlain, the agent of De 
Monts, hid the foundation of Quebec, the capital of Ca- 
nada. From these possessions of the French, the colo- 
nies of New England and New- York were, for more than 
a century, frequently and cruelly annoyed. 



CHAPTER 1. 
HISTORY OF YIROINIA. 

Thf London Company, soon afLer its incorpcratic'n in 
IfiOfi, (l'S|):uoli<>d to America three ships, having on hoard 
one hundred and five persons, destined to hegii» a seit le- 
nient in South Virginia. Hhristopher Newpori command- 
ed the stiuadron. He wrtii accompanied by captain (Jos- 
nohi and other distinguished individuals; some aihired b\ 
curiosHy, and some hy the pr()>rpect of gain, to visit, a 
country said to be inhabited by a new ra(*e of beings, and 
to abound in silver and gold. 

2. A sealed box \va^ delivered to Newport, with direc- 
tions that it should not be opened until twenty-four hours 
after the emigrants had landed in America. During the 
voyage, violent disscnsitins arose among the principal per- 
sonages on board the sijuadnm. Of most of them, John 
Smith, one of tlie advmturers, incurred the distrust and 
hatred. His sup-^rior talents, and the fame he had ae- 
(juired hy his ex| loits in war, excited their envy, and pro- 
bably caused him to claim for hiinst>|f greater deierence 
than they were willing or Ix.nnd to yield. 

3. In his youth he had btnn a merchant's apprentice. 
At the age of fifteen, he ipiitted his master and travelled 
in France, the Netherlands, Hgypt, and (Tcrmany. Hav- 
ing joined the army of the emperor oi' Austria, who was 
then at war with the Turks, he receiyc^l, as a reward for 
a iccesslul stratagem, the command ol"a »roop of horse. 

4. In three personal combats with Turkish champioiiL', 
he came off victorious, at each time killing his adversary. 
In a battle which subseciuently took place, he was wouiuied 
and taken prisoner. After his recovery, he was •«5ent as a 
slave to Constantinople. He had falh^i into the hands of 
a cruel master; but his mistress, captivated by his fine 
appearaiu-e and heroic charact<T, and commiserating his 
fate, sent him, in the absence of her husband, to her l)r»- 
ther, who dwelt near the sea ol* Asoph. He, disregardinjj 
her di.ections, assigned to Smith 'degrading and Ul)ori(Hi55 
tasks, and beat him without mercy whenever he failed lo 
perform them. 

5. S(!iv5.ing a favorable opportunity, he killed Ins new 
master and fled into Russia. After visiting (iermany, 
France, Spain, ajid Morocco, he returned to England, 



16 VIROmiA. 

became acquainted with Gosnold, and was easily persuaded 
to embark in an expedition to a country he had not yet 
visited, in search of new scenes and new adventures. 
While yet at sea, he was accused of an intention to mur- 
der the council, usurp the government, and make himself 
king of Virginia ; and upon this absurd accusation was put 
in confinement. 

6. The place of tlieir destination was the disastrous 
position of the Roanoke. A storm fortunatfdy drove tlu;ra 
to the mouth of Chesapeake bay, which they entered on 
the 26th of April, KJOT.l Discovering a large and -beauti- 
ful river, they gave it the name of James River, ascended 
It, and on its banks had severa] interviews with the natives. 

7. In one of these a chief came forward, holding in one 
hand his bow and arrows, in the other a pipe of tobacco, 
and demanded the cause of their coming. They made 
signs of peac^ and were received as friends. Paspiiia, 
another chiei', when inforiiied of their wish to settle in the 
country, oifered tht;m as much land as they wanted, and 
sent tiiem a deer for their eritertainnient. 

8. On the 13th of May, tliey debarked at a place which 
they called Jamestown. On opening tlie sealed box, it 
was found to contain the names of the council and instruc- 
tions for their guidance. In the list were the names of 
Gosnold, Smith, Wingfield, and Newport. Wingfield was 
elected president, and a vote was passed exclnding Smith 
from his seat at the hoard. He was, however, released 
from confinement. 

9. The whole country was then a wilderness, in which 
a few Indians roamed in pursuit of their enemies, or of 
wild beasts for food. In color they v/ere darker than the 
European, but not so black as the negro. They possessed 
all the vices and virtues of the savage state ; were cun- 
ning in stratagem, ferocious in battle, cruel to their con- 
quered enemies, kind and hospitable to th<4r friends. "^J'hey 
had no written laiiguage ; they were unac({uainted with 
the use of iron and the <tther r:ietals ; their weap<uis of 
war were a bow nnd arrows, a stone hatc-liet, whicdi ihey 
called a tomahawk, and a club. They lived principally 
by hunting, but sometimes cultivated small patches of 
Indian corn. 

10. From such neighbors the emigrants could expect 
but little aid or comfort. Yet they took no care to provide 
for \heir future subsistence or preservation. They plants 
ed nothiiig the first year. The provisions brought from 

Jill 



VIRGINIA. 17 

"England were soon consumed. In four months, famine and 
the diseases of a hot and damp climate swept away fifty 
of their miuiher. 
* 11. Tliese dreadful distresses led them to reflect upon 
iheir situation and foruluct. Having become sensible of 
their injustice lo Smitb, they, at his request, .had granted 
him a trial, which resulted in an honorable acquittal. His 
persona! talents and activity now enl'orced, in adv'ersiiy, 
ihe same regard ami deference which, in prosperous limes, 
are yielded o.ily to vested authority and (»ffiiial stativ-n. 

12. Uy his advic", a fort was erected, to protect them 
from the attacks of the Indians. 'J'o procure provisions 
and explore the coiuitry, he made fr(Mpient and distant ex- 
cursions into iiie wilderness. In one of these he seized 
an Indian idol, made with skins stuffed with moss, for the 
redemption of which as much corn was brought him as he 
retjuired. Sometimes he procured supplies by caresses, 
sometimes by p;:rchase, and wiien these means failed of 
success, he scrupled not to resort to stratagem and violence. 

13. But in the midst of his activity and usefulness, he 
was,^ while exploring the sour(^e of the river Chickahominy, 
surprised and attacked by a party of Indians. He defended 
himself bravely until his companions were killed, when he 
turned to flee. Running at liazard, he sunk to his neck 
in a swamp and was taken prisoner* 

14. The exulting savages conducted him in tri-umph, 
through several towns, to their king, Powhatan. At the 
end of six weeks, their chiefs assembled to deliberate on 
his fate. They decided that he should die. He was led 
forth to execution ; his head was placed upon a stone, and 
an Indian stood near with a club, the instrument of death. 
At this instant, Pocahontas, the young and favorite daugh- 
ter of the king, appeared, arid rushing between the execu- 
tioner and the prisoner, iblded his head in her arms and 
entreated her father to spare his life. Powhatan relented, 
directed Smith to be conducted to his wigwam or hut, and 
soon afterwards sent him, escorted by twelve guides, to 
Jamestown. 

15. On his arj-ival there, he found the number of set- 
tlers reduced to thirty-eight, and most of these had deter- 
mined toal)andon the countrv. By persuasions and threats, 
he induced a majority to relinquish their design. The re- 
mainder, more resolute, went on board a small vessel in 
the river. Against these he in3l,antly directed the guns 

B 2 



is VIRGINIA. 

of the fort, when, to avoid the danger of being sunk, they 
hastened back to their companions. 

16. Sustaining now a high reputation among the Indians, 
lie ol)tained from them occasional supplies of provisions, 
which preserved the colony from funine. The princess 
Pocahontas also, remembering him whose life she had 
saved, frequently sent him such articles as were most 
needed, 'rhe settlers were thus enabled to subsist until 
captain Newport, wno had returned to England, again ar- 
rived at Jamestown, with a quantity of provisions, and one 
hundred and twenty persons who came to reside in the 
colony. 

17. All danger being in appearance over, the emigrants 
no longer submitted to the authority, nor listened to the 
advice of Smith. Disorder and confusion follovred ; and 
about this time, that raging passion for gold, wiiich first 
impelled Europeans to resort to this country, was again 
excited. In a stream north of .Tamestown, a glittering 
earth was discovered which was supposed to ])e gold dust. 
" Immediately," says Stith, in his history, " there was no 
thought, no discourse, no hope, and no work, but to dig 
gold, wash gold, refine gold, and load gold." And notwith- 
standing the remonstrances of Smith, a ship was freighted 
with this worthless commodity and sent to England. 

18. Finding he could not be useful in Jamestown, and 
unv/illing to be idle,; Smith set out upon an expedition to 
explore the coasts of the Chesapeake. With great labor 
and fatigue, he examined every inlet, river, and bay, as far 
as the mouth of the Rappahannock; whence, his provi- 
sions being exhausted, he returned home. 

19. He found the people turbulent and discontented. 
They charged the president with squandering tlie public 
property, and imposing upon them unn.ecessary fatigue, by 
compelling them to build for himself a Jiouse of pleasure 
in the woods. He was deposed ; Smith vvas chosen to 
succeed him ; he refused to accept the office, but no other 
person was appointed. 

20. Having procured a supply of provisions, he again 
departed to com])]ete the survey of the Chesapeake. He 
visited all the countries on both shores ; he traded with 
some tribes ; he fought with others ; and left, among all, 
the highest admiration of the beneficence or valor of the 
English. Returning after an absence of six weeks, he 
vvas again chosen president. Yielding to the general 



VIRGINIA. 19 

wish, he consented to accept the office. Under his ad- 
ministration, habits of industry and subordination were 
luniied, and peace and plenty smiled upon the colony. 

21. In 1609, the I-ondon Qompany, having obtained a 
new charter, conl'errin^ greater powers and privileges than 
the former, despatched to Virgi'iia nine ships, carrying five 
hundred emigrants, and certain oflicers appointed to su- 
persede the existing government. The ship, in which 
these officers embarked, was driven ashore on the island 
of Bermudas. The settlers, who came in the others, were 
licentious, profligate, and disorderly. Assuming the power 
of disposing of the government, they conferred it som<» 
times on one, and sometimes on another. 

2-2. ii\ this confusion, Smith hesitated but a short time 
in deciding what course to pursue. He determined that 
his authority was not suspended until the ariival of the 
persons appointed to supersede him, and resumed, with a 
strong hand, the reins of goverrunent. He boldly im- 
prisoned the leaders of the sedition, and restored for a 
time regularity and obedience. 

23. 'rhe Indians, jealous of the increasing power of the 
strangers who had invaded their country, concerted a plot 
to destroy them. Pocahontas, the constant friend of Vir- 
ginia, liastened, in a dark and dreary night, to Jamestown, 
and informed Smith of his danger. Measures of precau- 
tion were instantly taken. The Indians, perceiving that 
their design an as discovered, again brought presents of 
peace to the English. I , 

2i. Soon after, Smith,iiaving received by accident a se- 
vere wound, returned to England to procure the aid of a 
surgeon.) Disastrous consequenc(^s followed. The In- 
dians, lefarning that the man whom they dreaded most had 
left the colony, attacked it v;it]t i.'iited forces. A dread- 
ful famine ensued!'. To such extremity were the settlers 
reduced, that the;^ devoured the skins of the horses, the 
bodies of the Indians vvhom they had killed, and at last 
those of their own companions, who had sunk under accu- 
mulated miseries. These tremendous sufferings were re- 
collected long afterwards with' horror, and the period was 
remembered and disti;iguished by the name of the "starv- 
ing TIMK." 

25. In six months, the colony, from five hundred per- 
sons, was reduced to sixty ; and these were exceedingly 
dejected, in this situation they were visited by those who 
weie shipwrecked at Bermudas. All immediately deter- 



50 VIRGINIA. 

mined to return to England. For this purpose, the rem- 
nant of the colony emharked on board the ships just arrived, 
and sailed down the river. Fortunately they \v(>re met 
by Ijord Delaware, who had been appointed govertior of 
Virginia, and who, having brought with him a supply of 
provisions, persuaded them to rt-turn to .Jamestown. 

'2i\. This nobleman, by the mildness of his temper and 
his assiduity in business, restored order and eontenunent ; 
and the Indians were again taught to respect and fear the 
Engl'sh. After a short administration, he was succeeded 
by Sir Thomas Dale, by whom, on the recurrence of dis- 
orderly conduct, martial law was proclaimed and rigidly 
enforced. In the same year, [UUl,] Sir Thomas Gates 
was appointed governor. He brought With him to Virginia 
a reinforcement of settlers, by whom new towns were 
founded. And another charter was granted by the king, 
conferring additional privileges. 

27. In 1612, captain Argal having learned, wliile on a 
trading voyage to the Potomac, that Pocahontas was in 
the neighborhood, visited and persuaded her to go ou board 
his vessel. He treated her respectfully, but de'tained and 
carried her to .lamestown. He presuined that the posses- 
sion of Pocahontas would give the English an ascendency 
over Powhatan, who was known to feel a strong attach- 
ment to his daughter. In this, however, he was disap- 
pointed. Powhatan, noble by nature, felt indignant at this 
instance of treachery in the English. He offered a ran- 
som for his daughter, but refused to consent to any terms 
of peace until she was restored. 

28. During her stay at Jamestown, her beauty, her art- 
less simplicity, and those graces of manner which ever 
accompany dignity of mind and innocence of heart, won 
the affections of Mr. Rolfe, a young and respectable plan- 
ter. He succeeded in producing a reciprocal attachment. 
They were married with the consent of Powhatan. The 
consequence of this marriage was peace with her father, 
and with all the tribes who stood in awe of his power. 

29. Rolfe and his princess made a voyage to England, 
where she was received by the king and queen with the 
attention due to her rank. For her virtues, and her dis- 
interested servi(!es, slie was universally !)eIoved and re- 
spected. She died when about Yo return to Ameri a, leav- 
ing one son, from w horn are descended some of the most 
respectable families in Virginia. 

30. In 1613, captain Argal was sent, with a naval force, 



VIRGINIA. , SI 

to drive the French from the settlements they had begun 
in Acadia, which were Considered to be within the limits 
of North Virginia.^ He accomplished the object of the 
expedition, and, when returning, visited a Dulcfi trading 
establishment on Hudson's river, which was also within 
the s?me limits. The governor, too feeble to resist, ac- 
knowledged himself subject to the king of England. 

SlI^Tiie king, in his instructiotis given at the lime of 
the first emigration to .lamestown, directed that ail the 
land should be owned in common, and that the produce of 
the labor of all should be deposited in the public stores. 
In such circumstances no one would labor wilh tiie same 
steadiness and animation as if he, and he alone^ was" to 
possess and enjoy the fruit of his industry. A different 
regulation was now adopted. 'J'o each inhabitant, three 
acres of land were assigned in full property, and he was 
permitted to employ, in the cultivation of it, ^Mertain itor- 
tion of his time. The eflects of this alteratiM wt/e im- 
mediately visible, and demonstrated so clearly its wisdom, 
that soon after another assignment of tifty acres v/as made; 
and the plan of working in a common field, to fill the public 
stores, was entirely abandoned. 

3"2. Since the year Hill, the colony had been governed 
by martial law, which was administered by deputy gover- 
nor Argal, v.ith so much rigor as to excite universal dis- 
content. The council in I'^ngland, listening to :,he com- 
plaints of the Virginians, appointed Mr. Yeardly governor, 
and instructed hiui to i^iquire into and redress their wrongs. 
He arrived in April, (lOrJ, and immediately, to the great 
joy of the inhabitants, called a general assembly of the 
colony.s^ It met at Jamestown, on the 10th of June, and 
was cornposed of delegates from the boroughs, then 
amounting to seven. They, the governor, and the v.onn- 
cil, sat and deliberated in the same apartment, and acted 
as one bo<!y. 

53. Emigrants continued to arrive frequently from Eng- 
lan.'l, bat nearly all were men, who came for the purpose 
of o!)taining wealth, and intended eventually to return. 
With such views, they were evidently less useful to the 
colony than if they should be indu^^ed to regard it as their 
home, and as the abude of their posterit3\ To produce 
this desirable attachment to the country, ninety girls, 
young and uncorrupt, were sent over in the year Ifi^O, and 
sixty more in the subsequent year, and imm'^diately sold 
to the young planters as wi-y^es. The price was, -it lirst, 



«a VIRGINIA. 

one hundred, and i»fterwards, one hundred and fifty pounds 
of tobacco, then sellhig at ttiree shillings the pound : and 
it was ordained, tliat debts, contracted for wives, should 
be paid in preference to all others. 

34. About the same time, another measure, of a differ- 
ent character, was adopted. The company were ordered 
by the king to transp(»rt to Virginia one hundred idle and 
dissolute persons, then in custody for their offences. 
They were distributed through the colony, and employed 
as laborers. 

35. A Dutch vessel also brought into James river twenty 
Africans, who were immediately purchased as slaves. 
This was the commencement, in the English American 
colonies, of a traffic abhorrent to humanity, disgraceful to 
civilization, and fixing the foulest stain ujjon the character 
of the age and people. 

3f». Thi|polony was now in the full tide of prosperity. 
Its numbers had greatly increased, and its settlements 
were widely extended. At peace with the Indians, it re- 
posed in perfect security, and enjoyed without alloy a'l the 
happiness which its fortunate situation and favorable pros- 
pects aff*orded. It was dcunod lo experience a reverse 
of fortune, sudden, distressing, and terrible. 

37. Powhatan, the friend of the English, was dead. 
Opecancanough, a chief endowed with all those qualities 
which g'v'h rank and reputation to an Indian warrior, had 
succeeded him in his influence and power, but he was the 
secret and implacable enemy of the whites. By his art 
and eloquence, he united all the neighbouring tribes in the 
horrible design of destroying every man, woman, and child 
in *he English settlements. 

J8. The plan was concerted and matured, with all the 
secrecy and dissimulation which characterize the savages. 
While intent on their plot, they visited the settlements, 
lodged in the houses, bought arms of the English, and even 
borrowed their boats to enable them to accomplish their 
barbarous purpose. 

39. On the evening before the fatal day, they brought 
them presents of game ; and the next morning came fre^ ly 
among them, beliaving as usual. Sud(hMily, precisely at 
mid-day, the blow fell, at the same instant, upon the un- 
suspecting settlers ; and three hundred and {brty-s(;ven men, 
women, and children, were victims to savage treachery 
and cruelty. The massacre would have been more ex- 
tensive had not a domesticated Indian, residing in one of 



VIRGINIA. 8i 

the villages, revealed the plot to his master, whom he had 
been solicited to murder. Information was instantly given 
to some of the nearest settlements, and just in time to 
save tfiem from tlie calamity which fell upon the .)thers. 
10. The horriil specta<;le beibre them roused the Eng- 
lish from repose to vengeance. A vindictive and extermi- 
natintr vvar succeeded. The whites wore victorious, de- 
stroying many of their enemies, and obliging the remain- 
der to retire far into the wilderness. But tht ir own num- 
ber melted away before the miseries of vvar; their settle- 
ments were reduced from eighty to «'ight,and famine again 
visited them with its afflicting scourge. In l&2i, out of 
nine thousand persons, who had been sent from England, 
but eighteen himdred existed in the colony. 

41. These contiiuial misfortunes attracted the attention 
of king Jpnes. He revoked the charter which he had 
granted, and committed the management of all the affairs 
of the colony to a goveriu»r a. id twelve counsellors, who 
were to be appointed by the king and to be guided by his 
instructions. Of these instructions, those concerning to- 
bacco, the principal article exported fiom the colony, may 
be taken as a sample. It was ordained that those who 
raised it should hot themselves be permitted to dispose of 
it, l)ut should export it to England, and deliver it to certain 
designated agents ; and they alone were authorized to sell it. 

42. Under such arbitrary regulations, the people lived 
and suffered, until the year 1(336, when Sir John Harvey 
held the office of governor. He was haughty, rapacious, 
unfeeling, and fitted, by his disposition, to exercise power 
in the true spirit of his instructions. Inflamed to mad- 
ness by his oppressions, the Virginians, in a fit of popular 
rage, seized and sent him a prisoner to England. At the 
same time, they despatched two deputies charged to re- 
present the grievances of the colony and the govern«.r*s 
misconduct. 

43. Charles I, who was then king, indignant at the 
violent proceeding, received the deputies sternly, and sent 
back the governor, invested with all his former powers. 
He was, however, in 1639, succeeded by Sir William 
Berkeley, who was instructed again to allow the Virgini- 
ans to elect representatives. Such was their gratitude to 
the king for tiiis favor, that during the civil wars between 
him and his parliament, they were faithful to the royal 
caup'^, and continued faithful even after he was dethroned 
and his son driven into exile. 



24 VIRGINIA. 

44. The parliament, irritated by this conduct of the 
Virginians, sent Sir George Ayscue, in 1652, with a pow- 
erful fleet, to reduce them to submission. Berkeley, with 
more S|)irit than prudence, opposed thivS' force ; but after 
making a gallant resistance, he was obliged to yield. He 
Oijtained the most favorable terms for the colony, but ask- 
ed no slipulations in his own tavor. Withdrawing to a 
retired situation, he lived beloved and respected by the 
peoj)le. 

45. For nine years afterwards, governors appointed by 
Cromwell, continued to preside over the colony. But the 
predilection for royalty, which the inhabitants had dis- 
played, was remembered, and they were less favored than 
those of New-England, who, like the predominant party 
in Great Britain, were republicans in politics, and puritans 
in religion. Arbitrary restrictions upon the coxnmerce of 
Virginia checked its prosperity, and produced discontent. 
At length, the sudden death of governor Matthews aiford- 
ed, to the adherents of the royal cause, a favorable oppor- 
tunity, which they gladly seized, to proclaim Gharles II, 
and to invite Berkeley to resume the authority of gover- 
nor. He consented, requiring only their solemn promise 
to hazard their lives and fortunes in supporting the cause 
they had espoused. 

46. At tliis period, no hitelligence had been received of 
the death of Cromwell. Fortunately for the colony, that 
event happened soon after ; the king whom they had pro- 
claimed was restored to the tlirone ; and Virginia for a long 
time boasted, that she was the last of the British domi- 
nions that submitted to Cromwell, and the first that re- 
turned to her allegiance. 

47. Charles 11 confirmed Sir William Berkeley in 
the office of governor; but with characteristic ingrati- 
tude, he neglected the interests of the colony, and even 
imposed additional restrictions upon its commerce. He 
also granted to his favorites large tracts of land which 
belonged to the colony.) These injuries, inflicted by a 
hand which ought to havfe bestowed favors, wounded the 
f elings of the Virginlan^ii, and produced nmrmars and com- 
jiiaiuts. No relief being granted, an open and turbulent 
insurrection was the consequence. 

i8. At the head of the insurgents was Nathaniel Bacon. 
He was a lawyer, educated in London, and was appointed 
a member of the council, a short tirae after his emigration 
to Virginia. H-e was you/ig,. boltl, ambitious; his person 



VIRGINIA. 25 

engaging, and his elocution commanding. He harangued 
tho citizens upon their grievances; inflamed their resent- 
ment against their rulers ; declaimed particularly against 
the languor with which the war, then existing with the 
Jinlians, luul been conducted ; and such was the effect of his 
representations, that he was elected general by the people. 

49. He applied to the governor for a coixmission con- 
firming this election, and offered instantly to march, at the 
head of the citizens, against the savages. Sir William 
indignantly refused, and issued a proclamation command- 
ing the insurgents to disperse. Bacon had advanced too 
far to recede with honor or safety. He hastened, at the 
head of six hundred armed follow ers, to Jamestown, sur- 
rounded the house where the governor and council were 
assembled, and ri^peated his demand. 

50. The council, intimidated by the threats of the en- 
raged multitude, hastily prepared a commission, and, by 
tlieir entreaties, prevailed on the governor to sign it. Ba- 
con and his troops, then began their march against the 
Indians. But the council, wlien relieved from their fears, 
declared the commission void, and proclaimed him a rebel, 
I'mraged at this conduct, he instantly returned, with all 
his forces, to .lamestown. The governor fled, the council 
dispersed, and he found himself in possession of supreme 
power. To give it some show of legality, he called toge- 
tlier the most considerable gentlemen in the colony, who 
bound themselves by oath to supjiort his authority. 

51. Some districts remained faithful to Berkeley, who 
collected forces, and made inroads into those sections 
wriCie Bacon's authority was recognised. The latter re- 
taliated, and for some months, a civil war, with all its 
peculiar horrors, raged in Virginia. Jamestown was burned, 
and some of the finest and best cultivated districts were 
laid waste. 

52. King Charles, informed of the situation of affairs, 
despatched a body of troops to the assistance of Berkf lev. 
Bacon nnd his followers, unintimidated by their approach, 
determined to oppose them ; but when prepared to take 

: the field, this daring and successful leader, having exer- 
I cised the supreme power for seven months, sickened and 
died; and no person being found among the insurgents 
: qualified to sapplv his place, as the general of an army or 
■ as a pctpular leader, they laid down their arms and dis- 
1 perRed. ; 

.'.:>, Gvvi'ernor fk/heley again assumed the supreme 



26 MASSACHUSETTS. 

authority, and finding the rebels in his power, pursued them 
with unsparing rigor. Many were tried by courts n^artia!, 
and executed. Tiie assembly interfered, praying him to 
stop the work of death, and enacted laws which gradually 
restored tranquillity. 8oon after, Sir William returned to 
I'^ngla.'id, and his authority devolved on colonel .leftreya, 
the lieutenant-governor. Under his administration, peace 
was concluded with the Indians; and notwithstatuliiig the 
tyrannical regulations ol'llte king, and the oppressive re- 
strictions upon couuTierce, the colony increased in wealih 
and population. In the y.ar 1(588, the number of inhabit- 
ants exceeded 60,000. 

54. Between this period and the commencement of the 
French war of 175(5, an account of which will be found in 
a subsecjuent chapter, but few events occurred in the 
cclony of sufficient importance to find a place in history. 
Its position, remote from the settlements of the French in 
Clanada, and of the Spaniards in Florida, was favorable to 
its quiet. New-England and New- York, on the one hand, 
Georgia and the Carolinas on the other, protected it from 
savage incursions. Its affairs were administered by gov- 
ernors appointed by the king, and representatives chosen 
by the people. 

55. i'he laudable efforts of these representatives, to ar- 
rest the progress of slavery in the colony, ought not to be 
passed over in silence. Convinced of its inhumanity, and 
foreseeing the dreadful evils which it must produce, they 
often passed laws prohibiting the importation of slaves ; 
but those who were higher in authority, yielding to the 
wishes of merchants engaged in the abominable trafHc, 
persisted, with criminal obstinacy, in withholding their 
assent. Eiigland, not America, is responsible for the 
wretchedness, which her kings and her officers were 
often importuned, but refused, to avert. 



CHAPTER H. 
MASSACHUSETTS. 

Op' the two companies incor])orated bv king James, 'an 
account of the proceedings and dissolution of one, and a 
history of the colony it foundt^d, have been given in the 
preceding chapter. To the other, or Plymouth Company, 



MASSACHUSETTS. 27 

was assigned a portion of the American continent lying 
farther to the north, and at that time called North Virginia. 

2. The latter, in 1(506, the year in which both were in- 
corporated, despatched a ship to make discoveries within 
the limits of its grant. Before the voyage was completed, 
nhe was captured by the Spaniards. Another ship, alter- 
wards sent for the sanie purpose, returned with such a fa- 
vorable account of the territory that the company was en- 
couraged to proceed in the undertaking. 

3. The next year, forty-five men were sent over and left 
at the mouth of the river Kennebec. In 1(508 dispirited 
by the hardships they had endured, they returned to Eng- 
land in ships which had brought them provisions and suc- 
cors. The company, disappointed and dissatisfied, desisted 
for a while from all attempts to efl^ect a settlement. 

4. In IGll, John Smith, the same who acted a conspi- 
cuous part in the settlement of Virginia, made a voyage 
to this northern country, touching first at the mouth of the 
Kennebec. Sailing thence, in an open boat, he surveyed 
t!ie coast to the southern boundary of Massachusetts bay. 
Tiie northern promontory he named Tragabigzanda, in ho- 
nor of the Turkish lady to whom he iiad formerly been a 
slave. The three small islands, lying near the head of 
the promontory, he called the Three Turks' Heads, in 
memory of his victo'-y over the three Turkish champions. 
Both appellations have been changed for others. On his 
return to England, he presented to prince Charles a map 
of the country, and gave him such a glow-ing description 
of its beauty and excellence, that he, in, the warmth of his 
admiration, declared it should bear the name of New- 
Engi.and. 

5. Smith afterwards made an attempt to transport a co- 
lony thither, which was unsuccessful ; and New-England 
miiilit long have remained the abode of wild beasts and 
savages only, had not motives, more powerful than the 
love of gain or of perilous adventures, impelled men, dif- 
foiiug from all others who had bee.n the tbimders of colo- 
nies, to select it as the place of their residence. 

6. In the beginning of tlie seventeenth century. James 
I asserted and maintained a despotic power over the 
consciences of his English subjects. All who pr» sumed 
to dissent from the creed which he had adopte.< were 
persecuted with extreme rigor. In that age, the maxim 
was aw'owpd by ecclesiastics of all sects as well is po]i- 
ti«ians,that uniformity in religion was essentiaJ to th» 



23 MASSACH USETTS. 

repose of society,* and that it was therefore the right and 
d'lty of every sovereign to preserve it in his dominions, by 
the exercise of all his powers of restraint and punishment. 

7. But free ini^uiry had lateJy received such an impulse 
from the success of Luther and the other reformers, that 
the civil authority was unable to arrest or control it. Va- 
rious sects arose, dissenting from the established religion, 
and all distinguished by their democratic tenets respecting 
church government. ; Persecuted at home, a small num- 
ber, belonging to the sect which were afterwards called 
Independer; .s, removed to Leyden, in Holland, where they 
formed a distinct society under the care of their pastor, 
the Rev. John Robinson. ■ By their rigid virtues and ex- 
emplary deportment, they acquired the respect of the ma- 
gistrates and citizens. 

8. After residing several years in that city, various con- 
siderations induced them to resolve to leave it. In 1618, 
they applied to the London, or South Virginia, Company, 
for a grant of land in America ; and to ensure success, 
they observed, " that they were well weaned from the de- 
licate milk of the mother country, and inured to the diffi- 
culties of a strange land; that they were knit together by 
a strict and sacred bond, by virtue of which they held 
themselves bound to take care of the good of each other 
and of the whole ; that it was not with them as with other 
men, v/hom small things could discourage, or small dis- 
contents cause to wish themselves home again." 

9. A grant was obtained, and in September, 1620, apart 
of them set sail for Hudson's river; but the master of the 
ship, bribed, it is said, by the Dutch, who claimed the 
sole right of trading in that quarter, carried them farther 
north, and the first land they discovered was Cape (-od. 
This, they were aware, was beyond the limits of the Lon- 
don Company, but it was now November, and too late in 
the season to put again to sea. They therefore determined 
to land at the first place they could find suitable for a set- 
tlement. 

10. Before leaving the ship, the heads of families and 
freemen, forty-one in number, signed a solemn covenant, 
combining themselves into a body politic for the purpose 
of making equal laws for the general good. They ordained 
that a governor and assistants should be annually chosen, 
but the sovereign power remained in the whole body of 
freemen. .John Carver was elected governor. 

11. On the nth of December, [0. S.] they landed on a 



u" 



MASSACHUSETTS. C9 

desolate coast. Sterile sands and gloomy forests were the 
only objects that met their view. The severity of the 
cold, greater than they had ever experienced, admonished 
them to seek protection against it; and their first employ- 
ment was the erection oi' huts in tho most convenient and 
sheltered situations. In 'vhcse miserable abodes they 
passed the winter, those at least who survived it. By the 
surceedir.g spring, one half of their number had perished, 
exhausted by continual suffering, and by the privation of 
every worldly comfort which they had been accustomed 
to enjoy. 

12. Their settlement was found to he within the limits 
of the Plymouth company from which they solicited and 
obtained a grant of land ; but they were never incorporated 
by the king. They called the place New-Plymouth. 
They often received small additions to their number, 
whii'h, in IG?0, amounted to three hundred. ,^^_,^, - - 

13. In the mean time, the same causes that drove Mr. 
Robinson and his congregation from England had continued 
to operate;. A class of dissenters, denominated puritans 
from the austerity of their manners, and from their claims 
to superior purity in Avorship and discipline, had become 
numerous ; and as, by their new mode of worship, they 
violated the laws of the land, they were prosecuted as crim- 
mals. Their faith was confirmed and their zeal increased 
by their sufferings; and having learned that complete re- 
ligious freedom was enjoyed at New-Plymouth, in America, 
they naturally directed their thoughts to that country, as a 
secure asylum from persecution. i^ 

14. In 1(J2T, an association of puritans, residing at Dor- 
chester and the vicinity, was formed for the purpose of 
planting a colony in New-England, to which they and their 
brethren might repair, and, in seclusion and safety, wor- 
ship God according to the dictates al" conscience. They 
obtaiJied from the Plymouth CompMy, a grant of the ter- 
ritory, which now constitutes a part of the state of Mas- 
sachusetts, and sent over, under the direction of John En- 
dicott, a small nund)er of people, to begin a plantation. 
These, in iSeptember, landed at a place called, by the In- 
dians, Naumkeak, and, by themselves, Salem. 

lo. The next year, they obtained a charter from the 
crown, by which the usual powers of a corporation were 
conferred upon the grantees, by the name of the '• Governor 
and Gompany of ?»Iassachusetts Bay, in New-England.'' 
It ordained, that the officers of the company should be a 

C 2 



30 MASSACHUSETTS. 

Governor, a deputy Governor, and eighteen assistants, to 
be named, in the first instance, by the crown, and after- 
wards elected by the corporation. Four stated meetings 
of all the members M'ere to l)e held annually, under the 
denomination of the General Court, at which they were 
authorised to admit freemen or members, and to make 
such ordinances or laws, not repugnant to the laws of 
England, as they might deem expedient. The colonists, 
and their descendants, were declared to be entitled to all 
the rights of natural born English subjects. 

16. At a General Court, held at London, in 1G29, the 
officers prescribed by the charter, were elected, and seve- 
ral ordinances were adopted for the government of the 
company. Three hundred people were sent over, of whom 
one hundred, dissatisfied with the situation of Salem, re- 
moved to Charlestown. Religion was the first object of 
their «are in the country they had adopted. A religious 
covenant was agreed upon, and a confession of faith drawn 
up, to which their assent was given. Pastors were chosen, 
and were, from necessity, installed into their sacred offices 
by the imposition of the hands of the brethren. 

17. The ensuing wdnter was a period of uncommon suf- 
fering and sickness. The cold was intense ; the houses 
were unfinished ; the provisions were insufficient and un- 
wholesome. Before spring, nearly half their number 
perished, " lamenting that they could not live to see the 
rising glories of the faithful." 

18. These calamities had some eflfect in deterring others 
from joining them ;^j|lit the consideration that the general 
courts were held, the officers elected, and the laws enacted, 
in London, had still greater influence. It did not comport 
with the views and feelings of those who disdained to 
submit to authority in matters of faith, to consent to re- 
move to the new wcffld, and there be governed by laws 
which they could have no part in enacting. Representa- 
tions to this effect were made to the company, who re- 
solved that the government and patent should be removed 
to Massachusetts. 

19. This wise resolution gave such encouragement to 
emigration, that, in 1630, more than fifteen hundred per- 
sons came over, and founded Boston and several adjacent 
towns. Of these persons, all were respectable, and many 
were from illustrious and noble families. Having been 
accustomed to a life of ease and enjoyment, their sufferings, 
the first year, were great, and proved fatal to many; among 



MASSACHUSETTS. 3i 

others, to the lady Arabella, who, to use the words of an 
early historian of the country, " came from a paradise of 
plenty and pleasure, in the family of a noble earl, into a 
wilderness of wants ; and although cele^brated for her many 
virlues, yet was not able to encounter the adversity she 
was surrounded with ; and, in about a month after her ar- 
rival, she ended her days at Salem, where she first land- 
ed." Mr. Johnson, her husband, overcome with grief, 
survives! her but a short time. 

20. Before December, two hundred perished. On the 
24th of that month, the cold became intense. Such a 
Christmas-eve they had never before known. Yet the in- 
clemency of the weather continued to increase. They 
w6re almost destitute of provisions, and many were obliged 
to subsist on clams, muscles, and other shell fish, with 
niits and acorns instead of bread. Many more died ; but 
in this extremity, that ardor of conviction which com- 
pelled them to einigrate, remained in full force, and they 
met, with a firm, unshaken spiiit, the calamities which 
assailed them. 

21. One great object of the puritans, in retiring to the 
unoccupied regions of New-England, was the establish- ' 
ment of a religious commonwealth, ?s nearly upon the 
model of that of the Jevrs as the difference of circum- 
stances wouid admit. To accomplish this object, they 
deemed it necessary, and at a general court, held in 1631, 
they ordained, that none but those who had made a pro- 
fession of religion, and had become members of some 
church, should be admitted members of the corporation, or 
enjoy the privilege of voting. 

22. This law has been too severely censured by those 
who have lived in more liberal and enlightened times. It 
contradicted none of the professions of the puritans. 'It 
was in strict accordance with the avowed motives of their 
emigration. It exhibited less intolerance than was then 
displayed by every other nation. It violated the rights of 
no one, for no one could claim a right to come into the 
territory which they had purchased. And it was doubtless 
essemiai, such was then the temper of men's minds, to 
the repose of their little society. 

23. The colonists had frequently been alarmed, but nev- 
er yet attacked, by the Indians. These were not, in fact, 
in a condition to do much injury. A few years before the 
arrival of the English, a cohtagiouswdistemper swept away 
a great number, almost exterminating several ^ibes In 



13 MASSACHUSETTS. 

1633, the small pox destroyed many who had survived thf 
pestilence ; and the territory, contiguous to the first set 
tlements of the English, seemed to have been providen« 
tiaiiy made vacant for their reception. As an attack from 
this quarter was, however, possible, and as the French 
who had a trading establishment at Acadia, had discovered 
some symptoms of iiostility, it was thought advisable U 
erect fortifications at Boston, and other olaces, and to opri 
a correspondence with their neighbours at New-Plymouth. 
24. So far from the capital had the settlements extend- 
ed, that it was found extremely inconvenient for all the 
freemen to assemble and transact the necessary public 
business. In 1634, the mode of legislation was altered, 
by the general consent of the towns. They delegated to 
twenty-four representatives the authority granted, by tlie 
charter, to the whole body of ueemeii. This important 
alteration was adopted the more readily, as the emigrants 
had been familiar, in their native country, with the repre- 
sentative system. The appellation of General Court, 
which had been applied to all the freemen when assembled, 
was now transferred to their representatives. 
if^^ 25. In the same year, Roger Williams, the minister of 
* Salem, having occasioned disturbances, by advancing ten- 
ets considered not only heretical but seditious, and being 
found irreclaimable, was ordered to leave the colony. He 
retired to Rehoboth, which was then within the jurisdic- 
tion of Plymouth. 

26. In 1635, Massachusetts received from England a 
large number of inhal/tants, and among them came two 
who af'torwards acted conspicuous parts in the aflfairs of 
their native country. One was Hugh Peters, who was 
subsequently a chaplain of Oliver Cromwell ; the other v.as 
Mr. Vane, afterwards Sir Henry Vane. The latter was but 
twenty-five years of age ; but by his show of great humility, 
niS'-^rave and solenm deportment, and his ardent profes- 
sions of attachment to liberty, he stole the hearts of the 
puritans, and, the year after his arrival, was made governor 
of the colony. 

27. His popularity, however, was transient. During 
his administration, the celebrated Mrs. Hutchinson, a 
woman wlio was distinguished for her eloquence, and had 
imbibed the enthusiasm of the age, instituted weekly 
meetings for persons of her own sex, in which she com- 
mented on the sermons of the preceding Sunday, and ad- 
vanced certain mystical and extravagant 'doctrines. These 



MASSACHL SETTS. 33 

spread rapidly among the people, and many became con- 
verts. 
28. Governor Vane, with Mr. Cotton and Mr. Wheel- 

/wright, two distinguished clergymen, embraced them with 
ardor ; but lieutenant governor Winthrop, and a majoiity 
of the churches, deemed them heretical and seditious. 
Gieat excitement was produced among the people; many 
conferences were held; public fasts were appointed; a 
general synod was sununoned ; and after much intemper- 
ate discussion, her opinions were determined to be erro- 
neous, and she and some of her adherents were banished 

J from the colony. 

\ 29. Not being again chosen governor. Vane returned in 
disgust to England, engaged in the civil Vv'ars, which soon 
after afflicted that country, sustained high offices in the 
republican party, and, after the restoration of Charles II, 
was accused of high treason, convicted and executed. 
Peters pursued a similar career, and met with the same fate. 

30. In such high repute, at this time, were the settle- 
ments in Massachusetts, that other I'higlishmen, still more 
conspicuous, had determined to leave their native land, 
that they might enjoy, in a desert, the civil and religious 
liberty which was denied them at home. Among these 
were Mr. Hambden, Sir Arthur Haselrig, and Oliver 
Oomwell, whom king Charles, by express order, detained, 
when on the point of embarking. Little did he imagine 
that, by this act of arbitrary power, he kept within his 
kingdom those restless votaries of freedom, who were des- 
tined to overturn his throne, and bring his iiead to the block. 

31. By the settlement of Massachusetts, the attention 
of emigrants was diverted from the colony of Plymouth, 
where the soil was less fertile. It nevertheless continued 
to increase, although slowly, in population. In 1G33, the 
govermnent of that colony built a trading house, near Hart- 
ford, which was the first building erected within the boun- 
daries of Connecticut. Soon after, many persons repaired 
thither from Massachusetts. In 1636, Roger William!» l.-^id 
the foundation of Rhode Island. Subsequently, New-Hamp- 
shire and New-Haven were founded, which increased to. 
five tlje number of colonies in New-Knglaad. 

3:i. The rapid progress of the EnL^ish settlements, ex- 
cited the jealousy of the natives. Th-^y had welcomed, 
without fear, the emigrants who first landed, not antici- 
pating their future encroachments. The experience of a 



ai MASSACHUSETTS, 

few years convinced therri that they must either extermi- 
nate these invaders of their country, or be Inemselves ex- 
terminated. 

33. Within the boundaries of Rhode Island and Con- 
necticut, lived two warlike tribes, the Pequods and Nar- 
ragansets. The former were hostile, the latter friendly, 
to the whites. Between the two tribes an inveterate en- 
mity existed ; but the more sagacious and politic Pequods 
proposed that all animosities should be forgotten, and their 
united strength directed against their invaders, before they 
had become too strong to be resisted. At first the Narra- 
gansets wavered, but their hatred of the Pequods i)ver- 
powered the suggestions of policy. They disclosed the 
proposal to the English, and invited them to join in a war 
against their common enemy. 

34. The colonies were roused to a sense of their dan- 
ger. In 1037, Massachusetts, Plymouth, and Connecticut, 
agreed to unite their forces, and attempt the entire de- 
struction of the Pequods. Captain Mason, with eighty 
men, principally from Connecticut, and three hundred 
friendly Inoians, was immediately sent into the country 
of tht enemy. Early in the morning of the 26th of Mhv, 
he attacked one ol" the principal villages, which had been 
surrounded with pallisades. The resistance was brave 
and obstinate, and the issue of the battle frir some time 
doubtful ; but the whites, forcing their way into the en- 
closure, set fire to the wigwams, and then, retreating a 
short distance, surrounded the town. Many <jf the In- 
dians perished in the flames; others were shot, in tlioir 
attempts to flee. Of five or six hundred, within the en- 
closure, but few escaped. The English troops, oi' whom 
two were killed and sixteen wounded, returned in triumph 
to Hartford. 

35. In June, another body of troops, principally from 
Massachusetts, marched into the enetTtiy's country, sur- 
rounded a swamp, into whi':h a party of thf^m had retired, 
and took eighty captive. Some escaping, they were pur- 
sued to anothnr swamp, situated near New-flaven, where 
the whole strength of the tribe was collected. This was, 
in like manner, sitrrounded ; a sliarp contest ensued ; but 
the whites were again victorious. Two hundred Pequods 
were killed c: nvide prisoners. The remainder fled to the 
country of me Mohawks. The brilliant success of t'le 
English, in this first and short war with the natives. gav<» 



MASSACHUSETTS 83 

tlie npighboring tribes such an exalted idea of their 
prowess, that, for nearly tbrty years, they we'-e neither 
attacked nor molested. 

3b". Ten years had now ela))sed since the first settle- 
ment was made at Saloni. It has been computed that, 
wi'iiin Lbat time, twenty-one tliousanfi persons ^nivf^d in 
Massa<;niisetrs. Tiie dissenters in Kuii'l'dnd liaviiig ob- 
tainerl tfie ascendency in the government, all motives !br 
en.ijratio!! cc^ased ; and it is suppost-d that, for manv vf^ars 
afterwards, more persons returned to l^iyland, than ( aii;e 
from Knoland to the colonies. 

37. Snch, however, were the character and virtues of 
the emigrants; such the power over difficulties Which 
their resolute minds, and bod-ies hardened b> iahoi, had 
imparted to them, that they continued to increase, with 
astonishing rapidity, in wealth and numbers. And a vote 
of the house of conunons, stating that " the plantations in 
New-l']ngland had had good and prosperous success, with- 
out any pu'olic charge to the state," is quoted, by a historian 
of those times, as an honorable testimony of tlie high 
merit of the colonists. 

38. Circumstances and events had already impressed a 
character upon tliem, which, though softened in its worst 
features by the progress of refinement, still distinguishes 
their descendants. Persecution made them bigots; piety 
made them moral ; poverty made them frugal ; incessant 
toil made them hardy and robust ; dreary solitudes made 
them gloomy and superstitious ; their numerous clergy and 
well educated leaders, made them venerate literature and 
the sciences. 

39. Four of the New-England colonies, Massachusetts, 
Connecticut, Plymouth, and New-Haven, apprehending 
danger from the Indians, from the Dutch, at New-York, 
and from the French, at Acadia, formed, in 1643, a firm and 
perpetual league, I'l'e isive and defensive. By the articles 
of this league, ea; }. colony was to appoint two commission- 
ers, who were to asseinble, by rotation, in the respective 
colonies, and were empowered to enact ordinances of general 
concern ; and, in case of invasion, each colony was bound, 
upon the application of three magistrates of the invaded 
colony, to t'urnish a stipulated proportion of men and money. 

40. SfreniJthened by this league, the co'onies were re» 
Fpecfed by their civilized and savage neIgh!)ors. With 
the French, imder D'Aulney, Massachusetts had a long 
and troublesome dispute ; which was adjusted, in 1644,Dy 



3G MASSACHUSETTS, 

a treaty made by governor Endicott, and afterwards ratified 
by tlie commissioners. 

41. When representatives were first chosen, they sat 
and voted in the same cliamber with the assistants. In 
H)35, when Mr. Hooker applied for permission to form a 
settlement on C'onnecticnt river, a majority of the assist- 
ants voted against granting permission; but a majority of 
the whole assembly in favor of it. The representatives 
contended that a majority of the assistants was not neces- 
r^ary, and tliat the vote iiad passed in the affirmative. 
"^Phe assistants claimed to be a distinct branch (»f thelegis- 
latnre, ajid contended that it had passed in the negative. 

42. No provision having been made for a case of tiiis 
kind, an adjoiU'nment, for a week, took place ; a public fast 
was appointed, and the divine direction implored in all the 
congregations. When the assembly again m(;t, a sermon 
was preached, by Mr. Cotton, which induced tiie repre- 
sentatives to yield to the claim of the assistants. In 1644, 
the dispute was renewed, and the assistants were again 
victorious. The representatives then proposed that the 
two classes should sit apart, and form distinct bodies, Jind 
in this proposition the assistants concurred. 

43. The contest between the king and parliament, at 
length resulted in open war; and the New-England colo- 
nies, actuated by the same feeling as the puritans in Eng- 
land, end)raced, with ardor, the cause of the latter. The 
parliament rewarded this attachment, by exempting them 
from all taxes ; and when the supreme authority devolved 
upon Cromwell, as protector of the liberties of England, 
they found in him a friend no less sincere and zealous. 

44. After the conquest of Ireland, he invited them to 
return and settle in that coimtry ; and, subsequently, having 
conquered .Tam.aica, he endeavored to persuade thern to 
remove to that fert ile island, and more genial climate. But 
his arguments and solicitations were unavailing. They 
enjoyed, in their present abode, complete religious free- 
dom, and that privilege they were unwilling to hazard in 
pursuit of advantages less essential to their happiness. 

45. In IH41, the settlements of New-JIampstiire were 
incorporated with Massachusetts. And, in 1G52, the in- 
habiiants of the province of Maine were, at their own re- 
quest, taken under her protection. This province had 
been granted to Sir Ferdinand Gorges, who, in 1639, first 
ostaliiislied a gorerniiieat over it.' In 16-iO, a genera' 
fonrt was held at Saco. Upon the death of the proprieto. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 37 

in 16-19, most of the officers whom he had appointed, de- 
serted it, and the people found it necessary to resort else- 
where for protection. 

46. In 1656, several Quakers arrived in the colony. In 
this age of enthusiasts, these sectarians partook of the 
all-pervading enthusiasm. The behavior of some of 
them, moved as they doubtless supposed by a divine im- 
pulse, gave great offence to the rigid puritans. For their 
conduct, inconsistent with the high respect which was 
thought to be due to magistrates and ministers, they were 
tirst imprisoned and then banished. A law w^as passed 
prohibiting Quakers from coming into the colony, imposing 
the penalty of banishment upon the first offence, and of 
death upon such as should return after banishment. Four, 
v.'ho were so excited as to return and obtrude themselves 
upon the notice of the government, suffered the death 
which they appeared to seek. This cruel, unjust, and 
impolitic law was soon afterwards repealed. 

47. Cromwell, who had governed England with great- 
tr ability and higher merit than most of her kings, died 
in 1658, and after an interval of two years, Charles II., 
a prince destitute of honor and virtue, was recalled from 
3xile and placed upon the throne. He was reluctantly 
acknowledged by the colonies of New-England. Thev 
iiad been tlie favorites of the parliament, and the protec- 
tor, and apprehended, with good reason, the loss of ttieir 
3ivil and religious privileges. 

48. A short time after, Whalley and Goffe, two of the 
udges who had sentenced Charles I. to be beheaded, hav- 
ing fled before the return of his successor, arrived in New- 
England. Their first place of residence was Cambridge ; 
3ut they often appeared publicly in Boston, particularly on 
Sundays and other days of religious solemnities. They 
lad sustained high rank in Cromwell's army, w'ere men 
^f uncommon talents, and by their dignified manners and 
^rave deportment, commanded universal respect. 

49. As soon as it was knowm that they were excepted 
rrom the general pardon, the governor suggested to the 
zouTt of assistants the expediency of arresting them. A 
Tiajority opposed it, and many members of the general 
2ourt gave them assurances of protection. Considering 
hemselves, however, unsafe at Cambridge, they removed 
;o Nfw-Haven, where they were received with great re- 
sper^t by the clergy and magistrates. ; 

50. Aftrr a short residence there, enjoying, in private, 
;he socierv of their friends, the eovernor of Massachusetts 



38 MASSACHUSEl^S. 

received a mandate to arrest them. A warrant was im- 
mediately issued, authorising two zealous loyalists to 
search for, and seize them, wherever found, in New-Eng- 
land. They hastened to the colony of New-Haven, ex 
hihited the warrant to the governor, v/ho resided at Guil- 
foid, and requested him to furnish authority and sssistants 
to pursue them. Desirous of favoring the exiles, he affect- 
ed to deliberate until the next morning, and then utterly 
decUned acting officially, without the aclvice of his council. 

51. In the meantime, they were apprized of their dan- 
ger, and retired to a new place of concealment. Tlie pur- 
suers, on arriving at New-Haven, searched every sus- 
pected house, except the one where the judges were con- 
cealed. This they began to search, but were induced, by 
the address of the mistress of it, to desist. When the 
pursuers had departed, the judges, retiring into the woods, 
fixed their abode in a cave. 

52. Having there heard that their friends were threat- 
ened with punishment, for having afforded them protection, 
they came from their hiding place for the purpose of de- 
livering themselves up ; but their friends, actuated by feel- 
ings equally noble and generous, persuaded them to relin- 
quish their intention. Soon after, they removed to Mil- 
lord, where they remained about two years. 

53. Upon the arrival of other persons, instructed to ap- 
prehend them, they repaired privately to Hadley, in Mas- 
sachusetts, where they resided fifteen or sixteen years, 
but few persons being acquainted with the place of their 
concealment. There is, in that neighborhood, a tradition, 
that many years afterwards two graves were discovered 
in the minister's cellar ; and in these, it was suj^osed, 
they had been interred. At New-Haven, two graves are 
shown, said to be those of the two judges. It is not im- 
probable that their remains were removed to this place from 
Hadley. 

54. A singular incident which occurred at the latter 
place, in 1675, shows that one of these illustrious exiles 
had not forgotten the avocations of his youth. Tke people, 
at the time of public wcrship, were alarmed by an attack 
from the Indians, and thrown into the dt most conuision. 
Suddenly, a grave, elderly person appeared, differing in his 
mien and dress from all around him. He puthimseil'at 
tiieir head, rallied, encouraged, and ltd them against the 
enemy, who were repulsed and coirx[>letely defee^Led. As 
suddenly, the deliverer of Hadley disappeared. The people 



MASSACHUSETTS. 29 

t\-ere lost hi amazement, and many verily believed- that an 
angel sent from heaven had led tliem to victory. 

55. Their treatment of the king's judges, and in truth 
all their conduct, evinced the republican spirit of the colo- 
nists. By tlie royal government of England, they could 
hot, therefore, be regarded with favor. In IfJGS, it was 
enacted, that no European commodity should be imported 
into the colonies, unless sliipped directly from England, 
and in British vessels. By this regulation, in connection 
with others that had been previously made, all the trade 
of the colonies was secured to the mother country. They 
submitted reluctantly to these restrictions, and often made 
them the subject of complaint. But England, believing 
that they augmented her wealth and power, obstinately 
refused to repeal them. 

56. In 1664, the king despatched four commissioners 
to visit the several colonies in New-England, to examine 
into their condition, to hear and decide complaints, and to 
make to him a report of their proceedings and observations. 
This measure was dictated by no friendly motive, and was 
considered by the colonies as a violation of their charters. 

57. The first session of the commissioners was at Plym- 
outh, where but little business was transacted ; the next 
in Rhode Island, where the heard complaints from the 
Indians, and all who were discontented,, and made divers 
determinations respecting titles to land, which were but 
little regarded. In I\Iassachusetts, the general court com- 
plied with such of their requisitions as they thought pro- 
per ; but, professing sincere loyalty to his majesty, declined 
acknowledging t.ieir authority, and protested against the 
exercise of it within their limits. 

58. In consequence of this manly assertion of their 
chartered rights, an arigrv correspondence took place be- 
tween them, at the close of which the commissioners petu- 
lantly told the general court, "that they would lose no 
more of their labors upon them," but would represent their 
conduct to his majesty. 

59. From Boston, the commissioners proceeded to New- 
Hampshire, where they exercised several acts of govern- 
nienl, and offered to release the inhabitants from the juris- 
diction of IMassachusetts. This offer was almost unani- 
mously rejected. In Maine, they excited more disturbance. 
They encouraged the people to declare themselves inde- 
pendent, and found many dispop&id to listen to their sug- - 
gt'Stions ; but Massachusetts, by a prompt and vigoi«u» 



40 MASSACHL'SE'rrS, 

exertioii of ptivver, constrained the disaffected to subtait tc 
her autiioiity. , 

t)0. Connecticut appears to have been the favorite of the 
commissioners. She treated them with respect, and com- 
plied with their requisitions. In return, they made such 
a representation of her merits to the king, as to draw from 
him a letter of thanks. " Although," says he, " your car- 
riage doth of itself most justly deserve our praise and ap- 
probation, yet it seems to be set off with more lustre by 
the contrary behavior of the colony of Massachusetts." 

61. At the end of fifty years from the arrival of the 
emigrants at Plymouth, the New-England colonies were 
supposed to contain one hundred and twenty towns, and 
as many thousand inhabitants. The acts of parliament 
not being rigidly enforced, their trade had become exten- 
sive and profitable* The habits of industry and economy, 
which had been formed in less happy times, continued to 
prevail, and gave a competency to those who had nothing, 
and v/ealth to those who had a competency. The wilder- 
ness receded before adventurous and hardy laborers, and 
its savage inhabitants found their game dispersed, and 
their favorite haunts invaded. 

62. This was the natural consequence of the sales of 
land, which w^ere, at all times, readily made tothe whites. 
But this consequence the Indians did not foresee ; aiid 
when they felt it in all its force, the strongest passions 
w^e-re awakened which can animate civilized or savage 
man, the love of country and of independence. 

63. A leader only was wanting to concentrate and direct 
their exertions, and Philip, of Pokanoket, sachem of a 
tribe living within the boundaries of Plymouth and Ehode 
Island, assumed that honorable, but dangerous, station. 
His fether vvas tlie friend, but he had ever been the ene- 
my, of the whites; and this eimiily, aiising from causes 
of national concern, had been embittered to vindictive ha- 
tred by their conduct towards his elder brother. This 
brother, being suspected of plotting against them, was 
seized by a detachment of soldiers, and confined ; and the 
indignity so wrought upon his proud spirit, as to produce a 
fever that put an end to his life. 

64. Philip inherited the authority and proud spirit of his 
brother. He exerted all the arts of intrigue, and powers 
of persuasion, of which he was master, to induce the In- 
dians, in all parts of New-Fmgland, to unite their efforts 
for the destruclian of the whites. He succeeded in form- 



MASSACHUSETTS. 41 

Ing a confederacy, able to send into action between thre« 
and four thousand warriors. 

65. The English were apprized of the plots of the In- 
dians, and made preparaticjns to meet their hostilities. 
They hoped, however, that the threatened storm would 
pass by, as others had, and that peace would be preserved. 
Dut the insolence of Philip, and the number of iiis adhe- 
rents, increased daily; and, in June, 1675, some of them 
entered the town of Swanzey, in Plymouth, where, after 
slaughtering the eaitle, and plundering the houses, they 
fired upon the inhabitants, killing and v/ounding several. 

6G. The troops of that colony marched immediately to 
Swanzey, and were soon joined by a detachment from 
Massachusetts. I'he Indians fled, and marked the course 
of their flight by burning the buildings, and fixing on poles, 
by the way side, the hands, scalps, and heads of the whites 
whom they had killed. The troops pursued, but unable to 
overtake' them, returned to Swanzey. 

67. The whole country was alarmed, and the number of 
troops augmented. By this array of force, Philip was in- 
duced to quit his residence at Mount Hope, and take post 
near a swamp at Pocasset, now Tiverton. At that place, 
the Engiish attacked him, but were repulsed. Sixteen 
whites vfere killed, and the Inf'jans, by this success, were 
made bolder. 

68. At ihis time, most of the settlements were sur- 
rounded by thick forests, and the Indians lived intermixed 
with the whites. The former were acquainted, of course, 
with the dwellings of the latter, with their roads, and 
places of resort ; could watch their motions, and fall u{)on 
them in their defenceless and unguarded moments. Many 
were shot dead as they opened their doors in the morn- 
ing : rnany while at M'ork in their fields, and others while 
travelling to visit their neighbors, or places of worship. 
At all times, at all places, in all employments, were their 
lives in jeopardy ; and no one could tell but that, in the 
next moment, he should receive his death shot from his 
barn, the thv^ket, or the way side. 

69. Whenever the enemy assembled in force, detach- 
ments were sent against them; if weaker than these, they 
would retreat; if stronger, assault and conquer them. 
Defenceless villages were suddpnly attacked, the houses 
burned, and the men, women, ana children killed, or car- 
ried into captivity. Their ruin was the work of a mo- 
ment ; and when accomplished, its authors vanished, 

D 2 



U MASSACHUSETTS. 

70. The colonies, losing individuals, families and vil- 
lages, found their numbers sensibly diminished ; their 
strength hnpaired ; and began to apprehend even total ex- 
tinction. Nothing but a' vigorous effort could save them. 
The commissioners met, and determined to despatch an 
army of a thousand men, to attack the principal position 
of the enemy. Josiah Winslow, governor of Plymo'ith, 
was appointed commander-in-chief; and a solemn fast, to 
invoke the divine aid, was proclaimed throughout New- 
England. 

71. On the 18th of December, the different bodies of 
troops formed a junction at a place in the country of the 
Narragansets, about fifteen miles from the enemy. The 
weather was extremely cold, but the men, from necessity, 
passed the night, uncovered, in the fields. At dawn of 
day they began their march, wading through the deep 
snow, and at one o'clock, arrived near the enemy's post, 
which was upon a rising ground, in the midst of a swamp. 
It was surrounded by palisades, and on the outside of these 
was a fence of brush, a rod in Vvddth. 

72. Here was fought the most desperate battle recorded 
in the early annals of the country. It continued three 
hours. The English obtained a decisive victory. One 
thousand Indian warriors were killed ; three hundred more, 
and as many women and children were made prisoners. 
But dearly was the victory purchased. Six brave cap- 
tains, and eighty men, v/ere killed, and one hundred and 
fifty were wounded. 

73. From this blow, the confederated Indians never re- 
covered; but they still remained sufficiently strong to 
harass the settlements by continual inroads. In retalia- 
tion, the English sent several detachments into their ter- 
ritories, nearly all of which were successful. Captain 
Church, of Plymouth, and Captain Dennison, of Connecti- 
cut, were conspicuous for their bravery and good fortune. 

74. In the midst of these reverses, Philip remained firm 
and unshaken. His warriors were cut off; his chief rnen, 
his wife and family, were killed or taken prisoners ; and 
at these successive misfortunes, he is represented to have 
wept with a bitterness which proved him to possess the 
noblest of human virtues and affections; but he disdained 
to listen to any offers of peace. Pie even shot one of hia 
men, who proposed submission. At length, after beinjjF 
hunted from swamp to swamp, lip was himself shot, by 
the brother of the Indian he had killed. After his deatli. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 4S 

the rrmnant of his followers either submitted to the Eng- 
lish, or united with distant tribes. 

75. Never was peace more welcome, for never had war 
been more distressing. The whole population was in 
mourning for relatives slain. Nearly a thousand houses 
had been burned, and goods and cattle of great value, had 
been pi jiidered or destroyed. The colonies had contracted 
a heavy debt, which, their resources having been so much 
diminished, they found an almost insupportable burden. 
But, in their deepest distress, they forbore to apply to the 
mother country for assistance ; and this omission excited 
surprise and jealousy. " You act," said a privy counsellor, 
"as tliough you were independent of our master's crown 5 
and though poor, yet you are proud." 

7fi. Inl G80, New-Hampshire, at the solicitation of John 
Mason, to whose ancestor a part of the territory had been 
granted, was constituted a separate colony. Massachu- 
setts, apprehending thp loss of Maine also, purchased of 
the heirs of Gorges, their claim to the soil and jurisdiction, 
for twelve hundred and fifty pounds. 

77. The disregard of the acts of trade had given great 
offence to the mother country, and the Governors of New- 
England were peremptorily required to enforce them.. But 
being enacted by a parliament in which the coloiiies were 
not represented, they were regarded as violations of their 
rights, and continued to be evaded with impunity. Ed- 
ward Randolph was therefore sent over, commissioned as 
inspector of the customs in New-England. He was also 
the bearer of a letter from the king, requiring that agents 
should be sent to the court of London, fully empowered to 
act for the colonies. 

78. It was well understood to be the intention of the 
king to procure, from the agents, a surrender of the char- 
ters, or to annul them by a suit in his courts, that he might 
himself place officers over the colonies, who would be sub- 
servient to his views. The inhabitants of Massachusetts 
felt that to be deprived of their charter, which secured to 
them the right of self-government, would be the greatest 
of calamities ; and their agents were instructed, in no 
emergency, to surrender it. This being known to the King, 
a prosecution was instituted against the corporation, and, 
in 1G8 1, a subservient court decreed that the charter should 
be cancelled. 

79. All impediments to the exercise of the royal will 
being thus removed, king James established a temporary 



44 MASSACHUSETTS. 

government over the colony, first appointing Joseph Dud- 
ley, and, in 1686, Sir Edmund Andross, governor. This 
latter appointment caused the most gloomy forebodings. 
Sir Edmund had been governor of New- York, and it was 
known that his conduct there had been arbitrary and 
tyrannical. 

80. Having secured a majority in the council, he as- 
sumed control over the press, appointing Randolph licenser. 
He established new and oppressive regulations concerning 
taxes, public worship, marriages, and the settlement of 
estates. He, and, by his permission, his subordinate ofii- 
cers, extorted enormous fees for their services. He de- 
clared that, the charter being cancelled, the old titles to 
land were of no validity, and compelled the inhabitants, in 
order to avoid suits before judges dependent on his will, to 
take out new patents, for which large sums were demanded. 

81. The hatred of the people was excited in proportion 
to their suffeiings. In the beginning of 1689, a rumor 
reached Boston,, that William, prince of Orange, had in- 
vaded England, with the intention of dethroning the king. 
Animated by the hope of deliverance, the people rushed 
spontaneously to arms, took possession of the fort, seized 
Andross, Randolph, and other obnoxious persons, and 
placed them in confinement. A council of safety, consist- 
ing of their former magistrates, was then organized, to 
administer the government until authentic intelligence 
should be received from England. 

82. In a few weeks a ship arrived, bringing the glad 
tidings that William and Mary were firmly seated on the 
throne. They were immediately proclaimed, in all the 
colonies, with unusual rejoicings. ^ The people of Massa- 
chusetts applied for the restoration of their old, or the 
grant of a new charter. A definite answer was deferred, 
but the council was authorized to administer the govern- 
ment, according to the provisions of the old charter, until 
further directions should be given. Andross, Randolph, 
and others, were ordered hom.e for trial. 

83. In this unsettled state of the country, the French 
in Canada and Nova Scotia, instigated the northern and 
eastern Indians to commence hostilities against the Eng- 
lish settlements. Dover and Salmon Falls, in New- 
Hampshire, Casco, in Maine, and Schenectady, in New- 
York, were attacked by difterent parties of French and 
Indians, and the most shocking barbarities perpetrated 
upon the inhabitants. 



MASSACHUSETTS, 45 

84. Regarding Canada as the principal source of their 
miseries, New-England and New-Yorlc formed the bold 
project of reducing it to subjection. By great exertion, 
they raised an army, which, under the command of Gene- 
ral Winthrop, was sent against Montreal, and equipped a 
fleet, wiiicii, conunanded by Sir William Phipps, was desr 
lined to attack Quebec. ' 

85. Both returned unsuccessful, disappointing the san- 
guine hopes of the people, and burdening them with a debt 
whicii they had not the means of discharging. To pay 
off her troops, Massachusetts put in circulation bills of 
credit, or paper money, an expedient which was afterwards 
often resorted to, and, though it afforded relief at the 
moment, produced, in its consequences, extensive and 
complicated mischief. 

SCi. In the mean time, a new charter had been granted 
to Massachusetts, which added Plymouth, Maine, and 
Nova Scotia, to her territory. The only privilege it al- 
lowed to the people was, the choice of representatives. 
These were to elect a council, and both bodies were to 
constitute the legislative power. It reserved to the king 
the right of appointing the governor and lieutenant gover- 
nor. To the governor it gave the power of rejecting laws, 
of negativing the choice of counsellors, of appointing all 
military and judicial officers, of adjourning and even of 
dissolving the assembly at pleasure. Laws, although 
approved by him, might be abrogated by the king, within 
three years after their enactment. 

87. The king, to render the new charter more accepta- 
ble, appointed vSir William Phipps, a native of the province, 
governor, and in 1692, he arrived at Boston. The new 
government went into operation williout any opposition 
from the inhabitants; and almost the first act of Sir Wil- 
liam Phipps and Jiis council, was the institution of a court 
to try the unfortunate victims of popular delusion, accused 
of witchcraft, at Salem. 

88. The behef in this supposed crime, had been so pre- 
valent in England, that parliament had enacted a law 
punishing it with death. Under this law, multitudes had 
been tried and executed in that country, and two or three 
in Massachusetts, some of whom acknowledged they were 
guilty. Accounts of these trials and confessions, and 
particularly of some trials before Sir Matthew Hale, a 
judge revered in the colonics, had been published and dis- 
tributed throughout the country. They were read, ip. 9k 



46 MASSAGHUSETl^S. 

time of deep distress and gloom, by a people naturally 
sedate, and accusLoraed to regard with awe the surprising 
and unaccountable in jidents and appearances which, in this 
new world, were often presented to their contemplation. 

89. In February, 1692, a daughter and a niece of Mr. 
Paris, the minister of Salem, were afflicted with disor- 
ders affecting their bodies in the most singular manner. 
The physicians, unable to account for their contortions, 
pronounced them bewitched; and the children, hearing of 
this, declared that an Indian woman, who livud in the 
house, was the cause of their torments. Mr. Paris con- 
curred with the physicians. Several private fasts were 
kept at his house, and the gloom was increased by a 
solemn fast throughout the colony. 

90. The Indian woman confessed herself guilty. The 
children were visited, noticed, and pitied. This en- 
couraged them to persevere, and other children, either 
from sympathy or the desire of similar attentions, exhibited 
similar contortions. A distracted old woman, and one 
who had been a long time confined to her bed, were added 
to the list of the accused ; and, in the progress of the 
infatuation, women of mature age united with the children 
in their accusations. 

91. The accused were multiplied in proportion to the 
accusers. Children accused their parents, and parents 
their children. A word from those who were supposed 
to be afflicted, occasioned the arrest of the devoted victim; 
and so firmly convinced were the magistrates, that the 
prince of darkness was in the midst of them, using human 
intruments to accomplish his purposes, that the slightest 
testimony was deemed sufficient to justify a commitment 
for trial. 

92. The court, especially instituted for this purpose, held 
a session in June, and afterwards several others by ad- 
journment. Many were tried, and received sentence of 
death. A few pleaded guilty. Several were convicted 
upon testimony, which, at other times, would not have 
induced suspicion of an ordinary crime, and some upon 
testimony retracted after conviction. Nineteen were 
executed, and many yet remained to be tried. 

93. At this stage of the proceedings, the legislature 
established, by law, a permanent court, by^ v/hich the other 
was superseded, and fixed a distant day for its first ses- 
sion at Salem. In the mean time, the accusations multi- 
plied, and additional jails were required to hold the accused. 



MASSACHUSETl'S. 47 

The impostors, hardened by impunity and success, as- 
cended from decrepid old women, to respectable charac- 
ters, and at length, in their ravings, named ministers of 
the gospel, and even the wife of the governor. 

94. The community were thrown into consternation. 
Each felt alarm tor himself, his family, and friends. The 
shock ]oused them to reflection. They considered more 
closely the character of the accusers ; the nature of the 
alleged crime ; the testimony, often contradictory and 
never explicit ; and more than all these, the high standing 
of some who were implicated ; and began to doubt whether 
they had not been too credulous and precipitate. 

95. At the next term, the grand jury found indictments 
against fifty ; but, on trial, all were acquitted except three, 
and tiiem the governor reprieved. He also directed that 
all who were in prison should be .set at liJjerty. A belief, 
however, of the truth of the charges, still lingered among 
the people, and prevented any prosecution of the impostors. 
That all were impostors, cannot be believed. Many must 
have acted under the influence of a disordered imagination, 
which the attendant circumstances were well calculated 
to produce. — ^- 

96. Besides establishing courts of justice, the legisla- 
ture, at its first session under the new charter, passed a 
law wliich indicates the same independent spirit that af- 
terwards resisted the usurpations of the British parlia- 
ment. It provided that no tax should be imposed upon 
any of his majesty's subjects, or their estates, in the pro- 
vince, but by the act and consent of the governor, council, 
and representatives of the people, in general court assem- 
bled. It is almost superfluous to say, that this law was 
disallowed by ihe king. 

97. The war with the French and Indians, which be- 
gan in 1690, was not yet terminated. For seven years 
were the frontier settlements harassed by the savages ; 
and the English employed in expeditions against them. A 
history of these would consist only of repeated accounts 
of Indian cunning and barbarity, and of Enj^^lish enterprise 
and fortitude. Peace between England and France, which 
took place in 1^7, was soon followed by peace with the 
savages. 

98. But in a few years, war. again broke out in Europe, 
wliicli was the signal for hostilities in America. The first 
blow fell upon Deerfield. h\ February, 1704, it was sur- 
prised in tiie night, abc»it forty persons were killed, and 



48 MASSACHUfcJETTS. 

more than one hundred made prisoners, amorrg whom were 
Mr. Williams, the minister, and his family. The killed 
were scalped, and the prisoners commanded to prepare for 
a long march to Canada. 

99. On the second day, Mrs. Williams was so exhausted 
with fatigue that she could go no farther. Her husban(^ 
solicited permission to remain with her ; but the retreat- 
ing savages, according to their custom in such cases, killed 
her and compelled him to proceed. Before the termina- 
tion of their journey, twenty more became unable to walk, 
and were in like manner sacrificed. Those who survived 
the journey to Canada were treated by the French with 
humanity ; and after a captivity of many years, most of 
them were redeemed, and returned to their friends. 

100. New- York having agreed with the French and the 
western Indians t'o remain neutral, these were enabled to 
pour their whole force upon Massachusetts and New- 
Hampshire, the inhabitants ofwliich,for ten years, endured 
miseries peculiar to an Indian war, and more distressing 
than their descendants can well imagine. The enemy 
were at all times prowling about the frontier settlements, 
watching in concealment for an opportunity to strike a 
sudden blow and fly with safety. The women and chil- 
dren retired into the garrisons ; the men left their fields un- 
cultivated, or labored with arms at their sides, and with sen- 
tinels at every point whence an attack could he apprehended. 

101. Yet notwithstanding these precautions, the enemy 
were often successful, killing sometimes an individual only, 
sometimes a v/hole family, sometimes a band of laborers, 
ten or twelve in number ; and so sv/ift were they in their 
movements, that but few fell into the handsof the whites. 
It was computed, that the sum of one thousand pounds ^^ as 
expended for every Indian k^illed or made captive. 

102. In 1707, Massachusetts, New-Hampshire, and 
Rhode Island desT^atched an armament against Port Royal, 
in Nova Scotia, which was then in possession of the French. 
It returned v/ithout accomplishing its object. In 1710, 
New-England, assisted by a fleet furnished by the mother 
countr^/^, succeeded in reducing the place ; and its name, 
in compliment to queen Anne, was changed to Annapolis. 

103. The success of this enterprise encouragf^d the 
commander, general Nicholson, to visit England and pro- 
pose an exj-'Ouition agnjnnt Canada, His proposition v/as 
adopted, and in Juno, 1711, admiral Walker, with a fleet 
of fifteen ships of war, and forty transports, bringing an 



MASSACHUSETTS. 49 

tfrmy of veteran troops, arrived at Boston. Taking on 
board two additional regiments, he sailed fronn that port 
about the last of July. At the same time, general Nichol- 
son repaired to Albany to take command of the troops that 
were to proceed by land. 

104. When the fleet had advanced ten leagues up the 
river St. Lawrence, the weather became tempestuous and 
foggy. A difference of opinion arose concerning the course 
to be pursued, the English pilots recommending one course, 
and the colonial another. The admiral, entertaining, like 
all other English oiRcors, an opinion of the abilities of the 
colonists corresponding with their dependent condition, 
adopted the advice of his own pilots. Pursuing the course 
they recommended, nine trunspoits were driven, about 
midnight, upon the ro.-ks and dashed to pieces. 

105. From every quarter cries of distress arose, con- 
veying, through the darkness, to those who were yet afloat, 
intelligence of the fate of their comrades and of their own 
danger. The shrieks of the drowning pleaded powerfully 
for assistance, but none could be afforded until the morn- 
ing dawned, when six or seven hua.lrtu, found floating on 
the scattered wrecks, were rescued from death, more than 
a thousand having sunk to rise no more. Not a single 
American was lost. 

106. Weakened by this terrible disaster, the admiral 
determined to return to England, where he arrived in the 
month of October. Thither misfortune attended him. 
On the fifteenth, his ship blew up and four hundred sea- 
men perished. Tbe New-l^mgland troops returned to their 
homes, and Nicholson, having learned the fate of the fleet, 
led back his troops to Albany. The next year the colonies 
found no repose. In 1713, France and England made 
peace at Utrecht, and, in the same year, peace was con- 
cluded with the Indians. 

107. Such was the destruction of lives in this war, that 
the population of New-England was sensibly retarded. 
Her expenses were also enormous. Although the annual 
taxes paid by the inhabitants, were greater than in a*iy 
other portion of the British empire, yet the colonies most 
exposed, were burdened, at the close of the war, with a 
heavy debt, in the shape of bills of credit, or paper money, 
which impeded their jirosperity, perplexing individuals and 
the goverimient in all their transactions. 

108. In 1716, Samuel Shute, a colonel in the army of 
the celebrated duke of Marlborough, was appointed gov- 

E 



50 MASSACHUSETTS. 

ernoT. On his arrival in the province, he found the peo- 
ple divided into two parties, one in favor of a public bank, 
which had just been established, the other of the incor- 
poratiottf of a private bank. He joined the former, the 
latter of cours-e became hostile ; and, led by a Mr. Cooke, 
opposed with virulence all his measures. 

109.» In 1720, this party, embracing a majority of the 
representatives, elected their leader speaker. The choice 
was communicated to the governor, who interposed his 
negative. The house persisted in their choice, denying 
his right to interfere. The controversy continued several 
days, when the governor dissolved the assembly, and 
directed that a new election should be made by the people. 

110. The charter not giving, in express terms, to the 
governor, the power to reject a speaker, the people resolved 
to support their representatives, and nearly all of them 
were again elected. When met, to avoid a second disso- 
lution, they chose a Mr. Lindall speaker ; but in a warm 
remonstrance to the governor, condemned his conduct, 
and re-asserted their sole and exclusive right to choose 
their presiding officer. 

111. The session was short, and but little was done that 
did not display the angry feelings of the house. Instead 
of six hundred pounds, the usual grant to the governor for 
half a year's salary, they appropriated but five hundred, 
and, as a mark of their displeasure, deferred that act until 
near the close of the session. 

112. At their next meeting, the same feelings prevailed 
and the same diminished sum was voted. The governor 
then informed them, that he had been instructed by the 
king to recommend to the assembly, to establish for him a 
permanent and honorable salary. The house, aware of 
the importance of retaining the power of granting such 
sums as the governor might merit by his conduct, replied, 
that the subject was new, and expressed a wish that the 
court might ris*^. With this request the governor complied. 

113. This disagreement continued, the ill temper of 
both parties increasing, through several subsequent ses- 
sions. The representatives, confident of the support of 
the people, refused to establish a permanent salary for the 
governor, and often withheld the pittance they gave, until 
he had sanctioned those measures which they desired 
should be adopted. 

114. His residence in the province being rendered, by 
this dispute, unpleasant, he suddenly and privately quitted 



MASSACHUSEITS. 61 

it, In December, 1722. Upon his arrival in England, he 
exhibited charges against the house, of having made 
various encroachments upon the king's perogative, which 
the agents of the province were instructed to answer and 
repel. 

115. He remained in England until 1728, when he 
resigned his office, and William Burnet, then governor of 
New- York, was appointed hi« successor. In his first 
speech, he informed the house that he had received posi- 
tive instructions from the king to insist on a permanent 
salary. The representatives, generous of their money but 
tenacious of their rights, appropriated three hundred pounds 
for the expenses of his journey, and fourteen hundred 
pounds towards his support, not specifying for what time. 
The first sum he accepted ; but absolutely declined re- 
ceiving any compensation for his services, except in the 
mode of a fixed salary. 

IIG. The delegates w^ere equally decided; and having 
transacted all their necessary business, requested the gov- 
ernor, by message, to adjourn them. He replied, that he 
could not comply with their request, as, if he did, he 
should put it out of their power to pay immediate regard 
to the king's instructions. A few days afterwards, the 
request was again made and again denied. 

117. Messages, containing arguments and replies, were 
often interchanged by the parties. After two months had 
been consumed in the controversy, the governor, imagin- 
ing the members were influenced by the citizens of Bos- 
ton, transferred the general court to Salem. They were 
detained there two months ; were then allowed to return 
to their homes ; were again assembled after a short 
recess ; and having sat seventeen days, were again ad- 
journed without exhibiting any s3TTiptoms of compliance. 

1 18. A new assembly was elected, and several sessions 
in the summer of 1729, displaying the same spirit as the 
former. In the mean time, information was transmitted 
from England, that the king approved the conduct of the 
governor, and condemned that of the house. Still the 
members continued inflexible. In August, they were 
removed to Cambridge, which served to exasperate rather 
than to convince them. Here, however, the controversy 
was suspended, for a time, by the death of the gov- 
ernor, which was supposed to have been hastened by 
his unsuccessful contest with the house of representa 
tires. 



5:1 MASSACHUSSETTS, 

1 19. His successor was Mr. Belcher, then ag^ent in 
England. As he belonged to the popular party, his 
appointment gave rise to the expectation, that the instruc- 
tion, to obtain a permanent salary, was withdrawn. But 
from his first speech it appeared, that it was not only 
unrescinded, but enforced by a threat of punishment in 
case of refusal. 

120. The house, unintimidated by the threat, refused. 
The governor, during the two first years of his adminis- 
tration, made several attempts to induce them to comply. 
All failing, he endeavored to obtain a relaxation of his 
instructions. Permission was at length granted that he 
might receive a particular sum, which was voted, and a 
similar permission was afterwards annually given. Thus 
ended a contest which prepared the people of Massachu- 
setts to embark in another in which more important lights 
were to be defended. 

121. These turbulent times were succeeded by a calm 
which continued several years; during which, however, 
the enemies of governor Belcher, by incessant misrepre- 
sentation, deprived him of the favor of the ministry in 
England. In 1740, he was removed from ojERce, and Mr. 
William Shirley appointed in his place. 

122. In 1744,war again broke out between England and 
France, and the colonies were involved in its calamities. 
Their commerce and fisheries suffered great injury from 
privateers, fitted out at Louisburg, a French port, on cape 
Breton. Its situation gave it such importance, that nearly 
six millions of dollars had been expended on its fortifica- 
tions. Mr. Vaughan„ of New-Hampshire, who had often 
visited that place as a trader, conceived 'the project of an 
expedition against it. He communicated it to governor 
Shirley, and, being ardent and enthusiastic, convinced him 
that the enterprise was practicable, and inspired him with 

. his own enthusiasm. 

123. Having exacted of the general court an oath of 
secrecy, the governor, in January, 1745, communicated to 
them the project. Many heard it with amazement. So 
strong was the place, and so weak comparatively were the 
colonies, that the thought of attacking it seemed rash and 
presumptuous. From respect to him, however, his pro- 
posal was referred to a committee ; they reported against 
It, the house accepted the report, and the members dis- 
missed from their minds all thoughts of the expedition. 

121. During the secret deliberutions the people watched 



MASSACHUSETTS. 53 

Mrith anxiety to ascertain their object. The disclosure 
was made by an honest member, who incautiously, in his 
family devotions, prayed for the divine blessing on the 
attempt, should it be made. The people were imstantly 
struck with the advantage of possessing the place. When 
the decision was made known, a petition, signed by a large 
number of merchants, was presented to the general court 
praying them to comply with the governor's proposal. The 
subject was again discussed, and a vote in favor of the 
expedition was passed by a majority of one. 

125. The question was now decided, and all who were 
before averse to the enterprise, united heartily with its 
supporters to carry it into execution. The other New- 
England colonies were solicited, and agreed to furnish 
assistance; and a boat was despatched to commodore 
Warren, in the W^est Indies, to invite his co-operation. 
Colonel Pepperell was appointed commander-in-chief, and 
Roger Wolcott, of Connecticut, second in command. 

126. In two months, an army of more tfian four thousand 
men was enlisted, clothed, victualled, and equipped for 
service, in the four New-England colonies, which did not 
then contain four hundred thousand inhabitants. On the 
23d of jNIarch, the despatch boat returned from the West 
Indies, with advice that commodore Warren declined fur- 
nr^hing aid. This intelligence was kept secret. The 
troops of Massachusetts embarked, as though nothing dis- 
couraging had happened, and about the middle of April, 
they, as well as tliose sent by Connecticut and New- 
Hampshire, arrived safe at Canso. 

127. Commodore Warren had but just despatched his 
answer, when he received orders to repair to Boston with 
such ships as could be spared, and concert measures with 
governor Shirley for his majesty's service in North Ame- 
oca. He sailed instantly, but learning, in his course, that 
the transports had left Boston for Canso, he steered 
directly for that place, where he arrived on the 23d of 
Apirl. He added much to their naval strength, and much 
to that confidence, which, by promising, ensures victory. 

. 128. Several vessels of war, which had been sent to 
cruise before Louisburg, had captured a number of French 
ships, and prevented any intelligence of the expedition 
from reaching the enemy. These vessels were daily in 
sight of the place, but were supposed to be privateers, and 
caused no alarm. The appearance of the fleet, on the 30th 
of April, gave the French the first intimation of their danger. 

£ 2 



64 MASSACHUSETTS, 

129. The troctps immediately landed, and the next day 
a detachment of four hundred, marching round the hills, 
approached within a mile of the grand battery, setting fire 
to all the houses and stores on the way. Many of these 
contained pitch and tar, which produced a thick smoke, 
that completely enveloped the invaders. The fears of the 
French were increased by their uncertainty. They ima- 
gined the whole army was coming upon them, and, throw- 
ing their powder into a well, deserted the battery, of which 
the New-England troops took possession without loss. 

130. This was u.icommon good fortune ; but the most 
difficult labors of the siege remained to be performed. 
The cannon were to be drawn nearly two miles, over a 
deep morass, in plain view, and within gun-sliot, of the 
enemy's principal fortifications. For fourteen nights, the 
troops, with straps over their shoulders, and sinking to 
their knees in mud, were employed in this service. 

131. The approaches weie then begun in the mode which 
seemed most proper to the shrewd understandings of un- 
taught militia. Those oflficers, who were skilled in the art 
of war, talked of zigzags and epaulements ; but the troops 
made themselves merry with the terms, and proceeded in 
their own way. By the 20th of May, they had erected 
five batteries, one of which mounted five forty-two poun- 
ders, and did great execution. 

132. Meanwhile the fleet, cruising in the harbor, had 
been equally successful. It captured a French ship of 
sixty-four guns, loaded with stores for the garrison, to 
whom the loss was as distressing, as to the besiegers the 
capture was fortunate. English ships of war, were, be- 
sides, continually arriving, and added such strength to the 
fleet that a combined attack upon the town was resolved 
upon. The enemy, discovering this design, deemed it 
unwise to abide the hazard of an assault. On the 15th 
of June, the French commander proposed a cessation of 
hostilities, and, on the 17th capitulated. 

133. Intelligence of this event, dying swiftly through 
the colonies, diffused great and universal joy. And well 
might the citizens of New-England be elated with the 
glad tidings. Without even a suggestion from the mothei 
country, they had projected, and, with but little assistance, 
had achieved, an enterprise of vast importance to her and 
to them. Their commerce and fisheries were now secure. 
and their maritime cities relieved from all fear of attack 
from that quarter. 



NEW-HAMPSHIRE. n 

134. France, firefl with resentment at her loss, made 
extraordinary exertions to retrieve it, and to inflict chas- 
tisement on New-England. The next summer, she des- 
patched t(^ the American coast a powerful fleet, carrying a 
large number of soldiers. The news of its approach spread 
te/ror throughout New-England; but an uncommon suc- 
cession of disasters, which the pious of that time attribut- 
ed to the special interposition of Providence, deprived it 
of all power to inflict injury. After remaining a short time 
on the coast, it returned to France, having lost two admi- 
rals, both of whom, it was supposed, put an end to their 
lives through chagrin; having also, by tempests, been 
reduced to one half its force, and effected nothing. 

135. In 1748, peace was concluded, each party restoring 
all its prisoners and conquests ; a striking, but not uncom- 
mon, illustration of the folly of war. Louisburg, though 
conquered by the colonies, was exchanged, by Great 
Britain, for territories which she had lost in Europe. 
New-England murmured at this injustice; but what avail 
the murmurs of the weak? 

136. From this period to the commencement of the next 
French war, but few important events occurred in Massa- 
chusetts. The bills of credit, which the colony had issued 
to defray its enormous expenditure, were redeemed by the 
government, at their depreciated value. This example 
was followed, though tardily, by the other governments. 
_At the time of their redemption, they were worth no more, 
in some colonies, than one tenth, and in others, one twen- 
tieth, of the sum for which they had been issued. 



CHAPTER III. 
NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 

WiTW the history of Massachusetts, the parent of the 
New-England colonies, that of New-Hampshire has been 
necessarily blended. A brief relation of some detached 
events, which occurred in the latter colony, will now be 
given. 

2. John Mason, Ferdinand Gorges, and others, having 
obtained, of the Plymouth or New- England Company, 
grants of several tracts of land, lying north of Massachu- 
setts, sent from England, in 1623, a few persons to begin 



66 NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 

a settlement. Part landed, and, for a short time, remained 
at Little Harbor, on the west side of Piseataqua river, and 
near its mouth. Here the first house was built, which 
was called Mason Hall. The remainder, proceeding 
higher up the river, settled at Cocheco, afterwards called 
Dover. 

3. Fishing and trade being the principal objects of these 
emigrants, their settlements increased slowly. In 1629, 
the territory situated between Merrimac and Piseataqua 
rivers, and extending sixty miles from the sea, was granted 
to Mason alone, and then first called New-Hampshire. 
In 1631, the first house was built at Portsmouth. In 1638, 
the Reverend John Wheelwright, who, in 1629, but pre- 
vious to the date of Mason's patent, had purchased the 
land of the Indians, laid the foundation of Exeter. The 
next year, thirty-five persons, residing in that town, 
combined and established civil government. Within a 
year or two afterwards, the inhabitants of Dover and 
Portsmouth followed their example, each town remaining 
distinct and independent. 

4. In 1641, these little republics, distrusting their ability 
to protect themselves, formed a coalition with Massachu- 
setts, and long remained a part of that colony. The civil 
wars in England diverted the attention of Mason from his 
grant, and those who migrated to the country purchased 
of Wheelwright, the lands which they occupied. In the 
war with Philip, the settlements on Piseataqua and Oyster 
rivers, were attacked by the Indians, and suffered severely. 

5. In 1675, Robert Mason, grandson and heir of John 
Mason, applied to the king to obtain possession of the ter- 
ritory and rights which had been granted to his ancestor. 
Notice of this application was given to Massachusetts, 
and the parties were heard before the king in council. 
In 1679, a decree was passed, that Nevv -Hampshire should 
be constituted a separate province, to be ruled by a presi- 
dent and council, v/ho were to be appointed by the king, 
and a house of representatives to be chosen by the people. 
No decision was made affecting the titles to land. 

6. The first assembly, consisting of eleven members, 
met, in 1680, at Portsm.outh. At this session, a code of 
laws was adopted, of which the first, in a style worthy of 
freemen, declared, "that no act, imposition, law, or ordi- 
nance, should be im.posed upon the inhabitants of the 
province, but such as should be made by the assembly, 
and rn>^iroved by the president and council." This waa 



NEW-HAMPSHIRE. SI 

twelve years previous to the enactment of a simflar law in 
Massachusetts. 

7. In the same year, Mason, who had been appointed a 
member of the council, arrived in the coloay. lie assumed 
the title of lord proprietor, claimed the soil as hit< property, 
and threatened to prosecute all who would not take from 
him leases of the lands they occupied. His pretensions 
were resisted by most of the inhabitants, who claimed the 
fee-simple of the soil by a more righteous, if not more 
legal title. 

8. The peace of the colony was long distuibed by these 
conflicting claims. At the head of those who contended 
with Mason, stood major Waldron, of Dover. Against 
him, and many others, suits were instituted. No defence 
was made, judgments were obtained, but so general was 
the hostility to Mason, that he never dared to enforce them. 

9. Over Massachusetts and New-Hamjjshire, the same 
governor usually presided. After Andross was deposed, 
the inhabitants of the latter colony desired to be incorpo 
rated with their former brethren. Their request was 
opposed by Samuel Allen, who had purchased Mason's 
title, and was refused. Allen was made governor of the 
colony, and, by his influence, John Usher, his son-in-law, 
was appointed lieutenant governor. Under his adminis- 
tration, the disputes, occasioned by adverse claims to land, 
continued to rage with increased violence. Other suitr 
were instituted, and judgments obtained ; but the sherifl 
was forcibly resisted, by a powerful combination, whenevei 
he attempted to put the plaintiff in possession. 

10. From Indian wars this colony suffered more than 
any of her sisters. The surprise of Dover, in 1689, was' 
attended by circumstances of the most shocking barbarity. 
That the natives hud been cruelly injured by major Waldron, 
the principal citizen, may account for, if not extenuate, 
their ferocity in obtaining revenge. 

11. Having 'determined upon their plan of attack, they 
employed more than their usual art, to lull the suspicions 
of the inhabitants. So civil and respectful was their 
behavior, that they often obtained permission to sleep in 
the fortified houses in ihe town. On the evening of the 
fatal niglit, they assembled in the neighborhood, and sent 
their women to apply for lodgings, at the houses devoted 
to destruction ; who were not only admitted, but were 
shown how they could open the doors should they have 
occasion to go out in the night. 



58 NEW-HAMPSHIRE, 

V2. When all was quiet, the doors were opened and (he 
signal given. The Indians rushed into Waldron's iiouHe, 
and hastened to his apartment. Awakened by the noise, 
he seized his sword and drove them back, but when 
returning for his other arms, was stunned with a hatchet, 
and fell. They then dragged him into his hall, seated 
him in an elbow chair, upon a long table, and insultingly 
asked him, " who shall judge Indians now ]" After feasting 
upon provisions, which they compelled the rest of the 
family to procure, each one, with his knife, cut gashes 
across his breast, saying, " I cross out my account." When, 
weakened with the loss of blood, he was about to fall from 
the table, his own sword was held under him, which put 
an end to his misery. 

13. At other houses, similar acts of cruelty were perpe- 
trated. In the whole, twenty-three persons were killed, 
twenty-nine carried prisoners to Canada, and mostly sold 
to the French. Remembering kindness as well as injury, 
they spared one woman, who, thirteen years before, had 
conferred a favor on one of the party. Many houses were 
burned, much property was plundered, and so expeditious 
were the Indians, that they had fled beyond reach before 
the neighboring people could be collected. 

14. The war thus commenced was prosecuted with great 
vigor. The French, by giving premiums for scalps, and 
by purchasing the English prisoners, animated the Indians 
to exert all their activity and address, and the frontier 
inhabitants endured the most aggravated sufferings. The 
settlements on Oyster river were again surprised ; twenty 
houses were burned, and nearly one hundred persons were 
killed or made prisoners. Other towns were attacked, 
many persons slain, and many carried into captivity. The 

feace of Ryswick, in 1697, closed the distressing scene, 
n 1703, another war began, which coatinued ten years. 

15. In 1719, above one hundred families, mostly Pres- 
oyterians, emigrated from the north of Ireland, and settled 
the town of Londonderry. They introduced the fool 
spinning-wheel, the manufacture of linen, and the culture 
of potatoes. They were industrious, hardy, and useful, 
citizens. 

16. From 1722, to 1726, the inhabitants again suffered 
the afflictions of an Indian war. Following the example 
of the French, the government offered premiums for scalps, 
which induced several volunteer companies to undertake 
expeditions against the enemy. One of these, commanded 



CONNECTICUT. 59 

by captain Lovewell, was grca,tly distinguished, at first by- 
its successes, and afterwards by its misfortunes. 

17. Long after the transfer from M".: on to Allen, some 
defect in the conveyance was discovt rea, which rendered 
it void. In 1746, John Tufton Mason, a descendant of 
the original grantee, claiming the lands possessed by h's 
ancestors, conveyed them, for fifteen hundred pounds, to 
twelve persons, subsequently called the Masonian proprie- 
tors. They, to silence opposition, voluntarily relinquished 
their claim to the lands already occupied by others. 

18. They also granted townships on the most liberal 
terms. Reserving certain portions of the land for them- 
selves, for the first settled ministers, and for schools, they 
required merely that the grantees should, within a limited 
time, erect mills and meeting houses, clear out roads, and 
settle ministers of the gospel. In process of time, nearly 
all the Masonian lands, being about one fourth of the Avhole, 
were, in this manner, granted; and contention and lawsuits 
ceased to disturb the repose, and to impede the prosperity 
of the colony. 



CHAPTER IV. 
CONNECTICUT. 

In 1631, viscount Say and Seal, lord Brook, and others, 
obtained from the Plymouth Company, in England, a grant 
of the territory which now constitutes the state of Con- 
necticut ; and so little was then known of the geography 
of the new world, that the grant was made to extend, in 
longitude, from the Atlantic Ocean to the South Sea. In 
the same year, the Indians, living on Connecticut river, 
having invited the colony of Plymouth to make a settlement 
on their lands, governor Winslow, and others, visited the 
country, and selected a place near the mouth of the little 
river in Windsor, for the erection of a trading house. 

2. The Dutch at New- York, apprized of this project of 
the English, and determined to anticipate them, inmiedi- 
ately despatched a party, w^ho erected a fort at Hartford. 
In September, 1633, a company from Pl)niniouth, having 
prepared the frame of a house, put it on board a vessel, 
and, passing the fort, conveyed it to the place previously 
selected. In October, they raised, covered, and fortified 



60 CONNECTICUT. 

it with palisades. The Dutch, ^.-onsidering ihem intruders, 
sent, the next year, a party oi seventy men to drive them 
from the country, but finding them strongly posted, they 
relinquished the design. 

3. In the autumn of 1635, many of the inhabitants of 
D-irchester and Watertown, in Massachusetts, having 
heard of the fertile meadows on Connecticut river, re- 
moved thither, and began settlements at Weathersfield 
and Windsor. During the next winter, their sufferings 
from famine were extreme. So destitute were they of 
provisions, that many, in dread of starvation, returned, in 
December, to Massachusetts. In their journey through 
the dreary wilderness, at this inclement season, they en- 
countered indescribable hardships. 

4. In the same autunm, Mr. Winthrop arrived frorr 
England, with instructions from the patentees to erect a 
fort at the mouth of the river, and make the requisite 
preparation for planting a colony. The fort was but just 
completed when a party, sent, for the same purpose, by 
the Dutch, at New- York, arrived in a vessel, but were 
not permitted to land. 

5. The next spring, those who had been compelled by 
famine to revisit Massachusetts, returned to Connecticut. 
In June, the Reverend Mr. Hooker, of Cambridge, and 
about one hundred men, Avomen, and children, belonging 
to his congregation, travelling through the wilderness, 
laid the foundation of .Hartford. They were nearly two 
weeks on their journey; they drove their cattle with th-nn,. 
and subsisted, by the way, upon tlie milk of their cow.s. 

G. In 1637, all the settlements in New England were 
involved in hostilities with the Pequods, a tribe of Indianci 
inhabiting Nevv^ London and the country around it. Some 
account of this war has been given in the history of Mas- 
sachusetts. , Previous to any expedition against them, 
they had killed many of the emigrants to Connecticut, 
had captured others, and tortured them to death. In the 
short war which followed, their surviving brethren, for 
bravery in battle and fortitude in suffering, were not sur- 
passed by any portion of the English troops. 

7. At first, the emigrants acknowledged the authority 
of Massachusetts. In January, 1639, the freemen, having 
convened at Hartford, adopted a constitution for them- 
selves. They ordained that two general courts, or assem- 
blies, should be held annually, one in April, the other in 
September; that at the court held in April, styled the court 



CONNECTICUT. 61 

of election, the freemen should choose a governor, six 
magistrates, and all the public officers ; that to the other, 
the sevpral towns should send deputies, who, in conjunc- 
tion with the governor and magistrates, were authorized 
to enact laws, and perform all necessary public services. 
No general court could be adjourned or dissolved, without 
the consent of a major part of the members. 

8. In the same year, George Fenwick, one of the 
patentees, came over with his family, and settled at the 
mouth of the river. In honor of lord Say and Seal, and 
lord Brook, he called the place Saybrook. Others after- 
wards joined him ; and for several years, they were gov- 
erned by their own magistrates and laws. In 1644, Mr. 
Fenwick, for seven thousand dollars, assigned to the 
general court of Connecticut, the fort at Saybrook, and 
all the rights conferred by the patent from the Plymouth 
compan^ mi England. This settlement then became a part 
of the colony. Tlic claim of Plymouth colony, founded 
upon their having first made an establishment at Windsor, 
had been previously purchased. 

9. In the mean time, another colony had been planted 
within the limits of the Connecticut patent. In June, 1637, 
two large ships arrived at Boston, from England, having 
on board Mr. Davenport, Mr. Eaton, and many others, 
whom pious motives had impelled to emigrate to New- 
England. Being highly respectable, and some of them 
possessing great wealth, the general court of Massachu- 
setts, desirous of detaining them in the colony, offered 
them any place they might select for a plantation. 

10. Wisliing, however, to institute a civil and religious 
community, conforming in all things to their peculiar 
princi})les, they removed, the next year, to Quinnipac, 
which they called New Haven. Soon after their arrival, 
at the close of a day of fasting and prayer, they subscribed 
what they termed a plantation covenant, solemnly binding 
themselves, " until otherwise ordered, to be governed in 
all things, of a civil as well as religious concern, by the 
rules which the scripture held forth to them."' They pur- 
chased of the natives, large tracts of land ; and laid out 
their towns in squares, designing it for a great and elegant 
city. 

11. In 1639, all the free planters, assembled in a large 
barn, proceeded to lay the foundation of their civil and 
religious polity. They resolved that none but church 
members should be allowed the privilege of voting, or be 

r 



62 CONNECTICUT. 

elected to office ; that all the freemen should annualsy 
assemble and e'ect the officers of the colony; and mm 
the word of God should be the only rule for ordering the 
affairs of the commonwealth. Such was the original con- 
stitution of New-Haven ; but as the population increased, 
and new tov.'ns were settled, different regulations were 
adopted, and the institutions and laws became gradually 
assimilated to those of Connecticut. 

12. With the Dutch at New- York, both colonies had 
constant and vexatious disputes. The former claimed all 
the territory as far east as Connecticut river ; the latter 
complained that the Dutch often plundered their property ; 
that they sold guns and ammunition to tne Indians, and 
even encouraged them to make war upon the English. 
The fear of attack from that quarter, was one of the rea- 
sons which, in 1643, induced the colonies of New-England 
to form a confederation for their mutual defence 

13. In 1C50, a treaty of amity and partition was con- 
cluded at Hartford, between the English and Dutch, the 
latter relinquishing their claim to the territory of Connec- 
ticut, except the lands which they actually occupied. 
Soon after, England and Holland were involved in war 
with each other, but their colonies in America agreed to 
remain at peace. Notwithstanding this agreement, the 
Dutch governor was detected in concerting with the In- 
dians a plot for the total extirpation of the English. 

14. Connecticut and New-Haven were alarmed ; a 
meeting of the commissioners of the united colonies, was 
called, and evidence of the plot laid before them. A 
majority was in favor of war ; but the colony of Massa- 
chusetts, being remote from the danger, was averse to it. 
As she was much stronger than either of the others, it 
was, at the suggestion of her deputies, resolved, that 
agents should first be sent to demand of the Dutch gov- 
ernor an explanation of his ccnauct. 

15. The agents obtained no satisfactory explanation. 
On their return, another meeting of the connnissioners 
was held at Boston, additional testimony was laid before 
them, and several ministers of Massachusetts were invited 
to assist at their deliberations, a practice not unusual at 
that period. 

16. The opinion of these ministers being requested, 
they observed, " that the proofs of the execrable plot, 
tending to the destruction of the dnar saints of God, vrere. 
of sucli weight as to indace them to believe the reality 



(X)NNKOTICUT. 

of it ; yet they were not so fully conclusive as to bear up 
their hexirts with the fulness of persuasion which was 
meet in commending- the case to God in prayer, and to 
the people in exhortations ; and that it would be safest for 
the colonies to forbear the use of the sword." 

17. But all the commissioners, except one, were of 
opinion that recent aggressions justified, and self preser- 
vation dictated, an appeal to the sword. They were about 
to declare war, when the general court of Massachusetts 
in direct violation of one of the articles of the confedera 
tion, resolved, " that no determination of the commission 
ers, though all should agree, should hind the colony tc> 
engage in l^ostilities." 

18. At this declaration, Connecticut and New-Haver> 
felt alarmed and indignant. They considered the othe 
colonies too weak, without the assistance of Massachu 
setts, to contend with the Dutch and their Indian allies 
They argued, entreated, and remonstrated, but she contin- 
ued inflexible. They then represented their danger tc 
Cromwell, and implored his assistance. He, with his: 
usual promptitude, sent a fleet for their protection, and foi 
the conquest of their enenaies ; but peace in Europe, intelli- 
gence of which reached New-England soon after the arrival 
of th** fleet, saved the Dutch from subjugation, and relieved 
the colonies from the dread of massacre. 

19. After Charles II was restored to the throne, Con 
necticut applied to him for a royal charter. A triflinj. 
circumstance induced him, forgetting all his arbitrar 
maxims, to comply with her wishes to their utmost extent. 
Her agent, Mr. Winthrop, having an extraordinary ring, 
which hnd been given to his grandfather by Charles 1, 
presented it to his son. He immediately granted a char 
ter, more liberal in its provisions than any that had ye 
l>een granted, and confirming, in every particular, the 
constitution which the people had themselves adopted. 

20. This charter comprehended New-Haven ; but, f > 
several years, tl;e people of that colony utterlt refused to 
consent io the union. In this opposition to the comman i- 
of the king, and the remonstrances of Connecticut, th- / 
persevered until 1665, when the apprehension of t.i<; 
appointment of a general governor, and of their bei:-, 
united with some other colony, having a charter less favd 
able to liberty, impelled them, though reluctantly, to yie^ 

21. In the war with Philip, which began in 1675, C( 
necticut suffered less than her sister colonies. Her a 



I CONNECTICUT. 

ki'Afevej, in iuli pioponion lo her streagtli, was aJw'a}T» 
fr'3ely afforded ; and no troops surpassed her volunteers ra 
hx ivery and enterprise. A large number, and many of 
V 3m officers, were killed at the assault upon the fort at 
i'-arraganset. 

22. In 1686, king James II, desirous of annulling, not 
o<ily the charters which had been granted to his English 
sit ies, but those also which had been granted to his Ameri 
can colonies, summoned the governor of Connecticut to 
appear and show cause why her charter sliould not be 
<c5,eclared void. And Sir Edmund Andross, who had been 
8/^[ointed governor of New-England, advised tlie colony, 
hiz the course best calculated to ensure the good will of 
hr majesty, to resign it voluntarily into his hands, he 
h. ing been instructed to receive it. But the people 
■f mated too highly the privileges it conferred to surrender 

;. ntil rwcessity compelled them. 

3. Sir Edmund, therefore, repaired, with a body of 
til tps, to Hartford, when the assembly were in session. 
urc demanded of them the charter. They hesitated and 
de "iated until evening. It was then produced and laid u pon 
tf r, table, a large number of people being present. Sud- 

e ■ ly, the candles were extinguished. V^ ith counterfeited 

' ;e, they were again relighted ; but the charter could no 
^ ire be found. In the daik, it had been privately carried 
. •■ by a captain Wadsworth, and concealed in a hollow 
i- ?. Sir Edmund, however, assumed the government of 
U> ' colony, and ruled with the same absolute'sway, though 
n^A with the same oppressive tyranny, as in Massachusetts. 
\: \. When James was driven from his throne and king- 
dxvT, and his governor deposed, Connecticut resumed her 
f;>ri ler government. The assembly voted a flattering 
3<1^ ess to king William. The suit, instituted for the 
m lose of annulling her charter, was abandoned ; and her 

.;i. bitants, while enjoying greater privileges than any of 
r brethren, had reason to congratulate themselves upon 
-'.e r address and good fortune in preserving them. 

cj. But, not long afterwards, they were again called 
Lipoa to defend these privileges from encroachment. In 
J G9'2, colonel Fletcher was appointed governor of New- 

. •lik, and was authorized, by his commission, to take 
.•<mmand of the militia of Connecticut. This power 
having been given, by the charter, to the governor of the 

olony, he determined not to relinquish it, and in this 

Btermination was supported by the people. 



CONNECTICUT. 6; 

2fi. Tho next year, when the general court were in 
eession, colonel Fletcher repaired to Hartford, and required 
that the militia of the colony should be placed under hia 
command. This was resolutely refused. He then ordcrec] 
the trainbands of the city to be assembled. This being 
done, he appeared before tliem, and directed his aid to read 
to them his commission and instructions from the king. 

27. Captain W' adsworth, the senior officer of the militia 
present, instantly ordered the drums'to beat, and such was 
the noise, that nothing else could be heard. Colonel 
Fletcher commanded silence ; and again his aid began to 
read. " Drum, drum, I say," exclaimed Wadsworth, and 
a com.manJ so acceptable to the players, was obeyed with 
spirit. Once more the colonel commanded silence, and h 
pause ensued. " Drum, drum, I say," cried the captain, 
and turning to governor Fletcher, addressed him, wit:! 
energy in his voice and meaning in his looks, " If I ar- 
interrupted again, I will make the sun shine through yo 
in a moment." 

28. Deeming it unwise to contend with such a spiril , 
colonel Fletcher desisted, left Hartford the next night, 
and returned to New- York. A representation of th : 
opposing claims being made to the king, he decided tha 
the governor of Connecticut should have the command o 
the militia; but in time of war, a certain number shoula 
be placed under the orders of Fletcher. 

29. In 1700, .X'lle college was founded. It owes its 
existence to the beneficence and public spirit of the clergy. 
It was first established at Saybrook; and, in 1702, the 
first degrees were there conferred. Elihu Yale made 
several donations to the institution, and from him it derives 
the name it bears. A succession of able instructers ha:v 
raised it to the second rank among the literary institutions 
of the country. 

30. In 1708, an act was passed by the legislature, 
requiring the ministers and delegates of churches to raeei 
and form an ecclesiastical constitution for the colony. A 
meeting was in consequence held at Saybrook, the result 
of which was the celebrated Saybrook platform. At the 
subsequent session of the legislature, it v/as enacted that 
all the churches, united according to this platform, should 
be owned as established by law, allowing, however, to 
other churches, the right of exercising worship and disci" 
pline in their own \vay, according to their consciences. 

31 . In the several abortive attempts to reduce the French 

F a 



C€ RHODE ISLAND. 

settlements in Canada, and in the expedition against Louis- 
burg, Connecticut furnished her full quota of troops, and 
bore her proportion of the expenses. Of these, a history 
is elsewhv^re given. After the death of I'hilip, most of the 
Indians abandoned her territory, and seldom returned to 
nriolest the inhabitants ; who, living in the enjoyment of 
all the privileges they d«^sired, felt no inducement, and 
were afforded no opportunity, to perform such actions as 
enliven the pages of history. 



CHAPTER V. 
RHODE ISLAND. 

Roger Williams, who was banished from Massachu- 
setts, for avowing the doctrine, that the civil magistrate is 
bound to grant equal protection to every denomination of 
Christians, a doctrine too liberal for the age in which he 
lived, repaired to Seeconk, where he procured a grant of 
land from the Indians. Being informed, by the governor 
of Plymouth, that the land was within the limits of that 
colony, he proceeded to Mooshausic, where, in 1636, with 
those friends who followed him, he began a plantation. 

2. He purchased the land of the Indians, and, in grateful 
acknovdedgment ot the kindness of heaven, he called the 
place Providence. Acting in conformity with the wise 
and liberal principle, for avowing and m.aintaining which, 
he had suffered banishment, he allowed entire freedom of 
conscience to all who came within his borders. And to 
him must be given the glory of having first set a practical 
example of the equal toleration of all religious sects in the 
same political community. 

3. His benevolence was nbt confined to his civilized 
brethren. He labored to enlighten, improve, and conciliate 
the savages. He learned their language, travelled among 
them, and gained the entire confidence of their cniefs. 
He had often the happiness, by his influence over them, 
of saving from injury the colony that had proclaimed him 
an outlaw, and driven him into the wilderness. 

4. In 1638, William Coddington, and seventeen others, 
being persecuted for their religious tenets in Massachusetts, 
followed Williams to Providence. By his advice, they 
purchased of the Indians the island of Aquetnec, now 



RHODE ISLAND. 

called Rhode Island, and removed thkher. Coddingiou 
was chosen their judge, or chief magistrate. The fertility- 
of the soil, and the toleration of all christian sects, attracted 
numerous emigrants from the adjacent settleme its. ^ 

5. When the New-England colonies, in lui"]. formed 
their memorable confederacy, Rhode Island app iied to be 
admitted a member. P]>^TioLith objected; ass( ; ting that 
the settlements were within her boundaries. 'V.t?. com- 
missioners decided that Rhode Island might enjoy all the 
advantages of the confederacy, if she would submit to the 
jurisdiction of Plymouth. She declined, proudly preferring 
independence to all the benefits of dependent union.: 

6. In 1644, Williams, having been sent to England ^-m 
agent for both settlements, obtained of the Plymouth 
Company, a patent for the territory, and permission for i])d 
inhabitants to institute a government for themselves. In 
1647, delegates chosen by the freemen, held a geners! 
assembly at Portsmouth, organized a government, and 
established a code .of laws. The executive p'-vver vvaa 
confided to a president and four assistants. 

7. Upon the application of the inhabitants, tl. ':i;.;, ia 
1663, granted a charter to Rhode Island and F: \ j'-ncc 
Plantations. The supreme, or legislative power, was to 
be exercised by an assembly, which was to cont^ist of the 
governor, of ten assistants, and of representat. ; es from 
the several towns, all to be chosen by the treem This 
assembly granted to all christian sects, exce^'t Romar' 
Catholics, the right of voting. In 1665, they a 'horized; 
by law, the seizure of the estates of Quakers, wl Tv.Hei 
to assist in defending the colony ; but this law, b- '■'■ * . 
rally condemned by the people, was never execi; 

8. When Andross was made governor over Im , -.,,i,. 
land, he dissolved the charter government of Rhc:'e Island, 
and ruled the colony, with the assistance of ti councii 
appointed by himself. After he was imprisoned, a'. Eoston 
the freemen met at Newport, and voted to resi; iie thei 
charter. All the officers who, three years before, had been 
displaced, were restored. \ 

9. The benevolence, justice, and pacific policy of W'^' 
liams, secured to the colony an almost total exempt*' 
from Indian hostility. In 1730, the number of itfnabitat " 
was 18,000 ; ih 1761, it was 40,000. Brown Univer^^* 
was founded, at Warren, in 1764, and v;as removed, a f' 
years after, to Providence. Its founder was Nicho 
!Brown, who gave to the institution five thousanu d:.A\r. 



1] 



CHAPTER VI, 
NEW- YORK. 

1609, Henry Hudson, an Englishman, but sailing in 

rvice of the Dutch East India Company, discovered 

: Island, the harbor of New- York, and the river to 

' his name has been given. In 1613, several Dutch 

•. >>ants, to vi^hom the republic of Holland had granted 

Inclusive right of trading to this part of America, 

da fort near Albany, which they named fort Oiange, 

few trading houses on the island of New- York, then 

ca S by the Indians, Manhattan. 

. n the same >ear, captain Argal, who had been sent 
by ' ii-giniato drive the French from their settlements on 
' ly of Fundy, visited, on his return, the Dutch on 
• 1 )n's river. Claiming the country for his nation, by 
y i )f prior discovery, he demanded the acknowledgment 
authority. Being few in number, they prudently 
: tted, without attempting to resist. 
, 3ut, receiving a reinforcement, the next year, they 
(M asserted the right of Holland to the country, and 
^;cted fort Amsterdam, on the south end of the island. 
-.e English, for many years, forebore to interfere in their 
rsa ts or clahns. In 1621, the republic, desirous of 
.;:) 1 ng a colony in Amenca, granted to the Dutch West 
cia Company, an extensive territory on both sides of 
'^ Hudson. The country was called New-Netherlands, 
he ooundaries were not accurately defined, but were 
v»si iered, by the company, as including Connecticut river 
,a . north, and Delaware river at the soutli. 
-', (n 1623, they erected a fort on the Delaware, which 
r-y ailed Nassau ; and, ten years aftewards, another on 
= ' . onnecticut, which they called Good Hope. Near the 
fiiu*^ r, the Swedes had a settlement. From the inter- 
ring claims of the two nations, quarrels arose between 
<t t,ettlers, which, after continuing several years, termi- 
' ■ 'i in the subjugation of the Swedes. Towards the 
1 the Connecticut, the settlements of the English 
:, y approached, and soon occasioned disputes, which 
i d longer duration and a different result. 
'.-. The Dutch did not escape the calamity of war with 
' ivages. Hostilities commenced in 1643, continued 
'i il years, ana were very destructive to both parties. 



NE 

Williarn Kieft, the governor of the New-Net htrtanda, 
invited captain Uuderhill, who had been a S(;ldier in Curop^, 
and had made himself conspicuous inNew-Hampshir'';, by 
lus eccentricities in religion and conduct, to take ocmmand 
of his troops. Collecting a flying party of one hu -ui -ed and 
fifty men, he was enabled to preserve the Dutch se ' lleraentft 
from total destruction. The number of Indians, vvh;>mhe 
killed in the course ofthewar, was supposed!',,' exceed' 
four hundred. In 164G, a severe battle was fought on that 
part of Horse-neck called Strickland's Plain. The Dutch 
were victorious ; on both sides great numbers were slain ; 
and for a century afterwards the graves of the dead were 
distinctly visible. 

6. In 1650, Peter Stuyvesant, then the able governor 
of the New-Netherlands, met the commissioneis of the 
New-England colonies at Hartford, where, alter much 
altercation, a line of partition between their respective 
territories was fixed by mutual agreement. LoLg Island 
was divided between them ; the Dutch retained \ le lands 
which they occupied in Connecticut, surrender lag theii 
claim to the residue. 

7. But Charles II, denying their right to any pvjrtion of 
the country, determined to expel them from it. In 1G64, 
he granted to his brother, the duke of York and Albany, 
all the territory between Nova Scotia and Delaware ba; ; 
and though England and Holland were then at peecf , 
immediately sent three ships and three hundred troopy t..> 
put him in possession of his grant. Colonel Rober; N leli -'■ 
conducted the expedition. The Svjuadron, having visit*; 
Boston, reacbed the place of its destination in A.if.-u»t. 

8. The commander summoned governor Stuy/esant ..f 
surrender the town, promising to secure to tbe iniiahitpnU 
their lives, liberty, and property. At first, he refused 
but the magistrates and people, allured by the proffr > 
terms, conf-trained him to consent. Fort Orange iriir : 
dered, soon after, to Sir George Carteret. Incouipliii.-^ 
to the duke, the name, Manhattan, was changed to N 
York, and Orange to Albany. 

9. Nichols assumed the government of the coi .\vj . 
had conquered, and continued, for three years, to lui'^ Om- 
it, with absolute power, but with great lenity an(' 'i"-*' 
During his administration, New-York was made 
T^pon his return to England, he was succeeded by c, 
Lovelace, who administered the governnieat wiv'^' 
moderation. 



TEW-VORK 

lu. m io;3, i:iii^iand ;'.nd Holland being then at war, a 
few Dutch ships were despatched to reconquer the country. 
Or ihe'iT arrival at Staten Island, a short distance from the 
:iy^ John Manning, who had command of the fort, sent 
luwn a messan^f'r and treacherously made terms with the 
iierny. The Dutch sailed up the harbor, landed their 
' inn, and took possession of the fort and city, without 
fhiDii '^r receiving a shot. 

1 1 . Captain Anthony Colve was appointed governor, but 

hh reinined the authority for a few months only. The 

' 'X' vrar, peace was concluded, and the country restOEed 

• th( English. The duke obtained a new patent, confirm- 

■}, his title to the province, and appointed major Andross, 

.IP same who was afterwards the tyrant of New-England, 

o 1-0 rovemor over his territories in America. 

i'2. Neither the administration of Andross, nor that of 

I"*, S'lccessor, Anthony Brockholst, was distinguished by 

.Ui7 lemarkable event. In 1682, colonel Thomas Dongan, 

"ho, as well as the duke, was a Roman Catholic, was 

,)poiated governor, and the next year arrived in the colony. 

nlil this time, the governor and council had possessed 

bsoluve power. The inhabitants, who, whether Dutch 

; Eitgllsh, were born the subjects of a state comparatively 

|(";!^, hrving, in an address to the duke, claimed a share in 

p If tislative authority, colonel Dongan was directed to 

ov Tlie freeholders to meet and choose representatives. 

1.'! On the nth of October, the first assembly met, 

ing of the council and eighteen representatives. 

declaration of the governor, they were invested 

3 sole power of enacting laws and levying taxes; 

laws could have no force until ratified by the duke. 

1 ills participation of power, Ihe people were gratified 

i; ortented; and the colony began to enjoy the inestim- 

■ '- ao cartages of a regular government. 

IL ''he interior of New- York was originaMy inhabited 

f X < ifederacy which consisted at first of five, and after- 

; ) of six, nations of Indians. This confederacy was 

i for mutual defence against the Algonquins,a power- 

1 .uadian nation, and displayed much of the wisdom 

;i; >a'Tacity which mark the institutions of a civilized 

ip'e. By their union, they had become formidable to 

s :r-ounding tribes. Being the allies of the English, 

nch were alarmed at their successes, and became 

. of their power. 

n 1G34, De la ^^rre, the governor of Cana«'i, 



NEW-YORK. 73 

24. Several militia captains assembled to determine on 
the measures expedient to be adopted. Of these, Jacob 
Leisler was the most active. Me was destitute of every 
qualification necessary to conduct a difiicult enterprise, 
but possessed the esteem and confidence of the other 
officers, and of the people. Milborne, his son-in-law, 
concerted all his measures, and controlled his conduct. 

25. They determined to obtain possession of the fort. 
Leisler entered it with fifty men, and published a declara- 
tion in favour of the prince of Orange. The magistrates 
and most respectable citizens discountenanced the pro- 
ceeding, and, at first, but few had the courage to declare 
themselves his friends. To induce them to act, a report 
was circulated that tiiree ships, with orders from the 
prince, were sailing up the harbour. His party was instan :y 
auojuiented by six captains, and nearly five himdred m^ri, 
a force sufficient to overpower all opposition. 

26. Before these disturbances, colonel Dongan had re- 
signed his office, and embarked for England. Lieutenant- 
governor Nicholson, unable to contend with Leisle^, 
absconded in the night. The province being thus left 
without a chief magistrate, Leisler was promoted, by his 
adherents, to that station. He sent an address to 'king 
William and queen Mary, whose authority he acknow- 
ledged, and, soon after, a private letter to the Kmg, 
expressing, in low and incorrect language, the warmest 
protestations of loyalty and zeal. 

27. His sudden elevation excited the envy of thos© 
magistrates and citizens who had declined to join him in 
proclaiming king William. Bayard and Courtlandt, unable 
to raise a party against him in the city, retired to Albany, 
where their exertions were successful. To diminish th?:.r 
influence, and to allay the jealousy of others, he invited 
several worthy citizens to unite with him in administering 
the government, a trust which had been confided to hira 
alone, by the militia. i 

28. In a few months, however, a letter arrived from the 
ministry in England, directed " to such as, for the time - 
being, take care for administering the lav/s of the province," 
and conierring authority to perform all the duties of lieu- 
tenant-governor. Leicler (considered this letter addressed 
to hirnself, assumed the authority conferred, appointed his 
Council, and issued commissions in his own name. 

f i'li. The people of Albany, led by Bayard, Courtlandt, 

G 



M NEW- YORK. 

and Livingston, acknowledg«3d king William, but refused to 
submit to Leisler. Miiborne was sent with a body of 
troops to enforcft obedience, but, finding them united, he 
returned without attempting it. 'i'he next spring, going 
with a stronger force, he succeeded. Tlie leaders oi' the 
party fled, and their property was confiscated. This 
arbitrary and unjust measure so exasperated the sufferers, 
that they and their posterity long retained the most violent 
animosity against Leisler and his adherents. 

30. D'lring these troubles in the colony, war was de- 
clared between France and England. De Nonviile being 
recalled, count Frontenac was appointed governor ot 
Canada. In .January, 1G9-0, he despatched several parties 
agains: the Englisli settlements. One of these, consisting 
01 Frenchmen and Caghnuaga Indians, was sent against 
Albany, but resolved to attack Schenectady. I'o the 
inhabitants of this village, information was given of theii 
danger ; but they, judging it impossible for the enemy to 
march several hundred miles in the depth of winter, 
disregarded the intelligence. No regular v/atch was kept, 
nor military order observed. 

31. The French and Indians arrived near the town on 
the eighth of February. They divided their number into 
small parties, that every house might be invested at the 
same time. On Saturday night, at eleven o'clock, they 
entered at the gates which they found unshut. The in- 
habitants having retired to rest, universal stillness reigned. 
Suddenly, iu every quarter, the horrid yell was heard. 
They sprang from their beds, conscious of the danger 
which surrounded them. Opening their doors, they met 
the savages, with uplifted tomahawks, on the threshold. 
Each, at the same instant, heard the cry of his affrighted 
neighbor. Soon succeeded the grcans of the dying. In a 
few minutes, the buildings were on fire. Women were 
butchered, and children thrown alive into the flames. The 
Indians, frantic from slaughter, ran, with fatal haste, 
through the village, massacreing many, who, in their 
attempts to escape, were betrayed by the light of their 
own houses. 

32. Some eluded their pursuers ; but a fate almost as 
dreadi/Lil awaited them. They were naked ? a furious 
storm came on : Albany, their only refuge, was at a dis> 
tance ; and often their terror converted inio sava|,es t)\e 
trees and wild beasts which they saw in their flight. Part 



NEW-YORK. 7h 

axrived in safety; twenty-five lost thetr timbs by iU^ 
eeverity of the cold. At Schenectady, sixty were lei lied, 
and twenty- five made prisoners. 

33. To avenge these barbarities, and others perj)etrated 
in New-England, a combined expedition ^against Canada 
was projected. An army, raised in New-Tork and (yon- 
necticut, proceeded as far as the head of lake Chauiplain, 
whence, finding no boats prepared, they were obliged \v 
return. Sir William Phipps, with a fleet of nioro th? a 
thirty vessels, sailed from Boston into the St. Lawrence, 
and, landing a body of troops, made an attack by land and 
water upon Quebec ; but the return of the army to New- 
York, alloviing tne whole force of the enemy to repair to 
the assistance of the garrison, he was obliged to abandcu 
tne enterprise. To the mise( nduct or incapacity of 
licisler and Milborrie, the failu'^ of this expedition was 
attributed. 

34. As soon as king William could find leisure to attend 
to his colonies, he appointed colonel Henry Sloughter 
governor of New-Y^ork. Never was a governor more 
necessary to the province, and never, perhaps, has it been 
ruled by one less (lualified for the station. He was desti- 
tute of talents, liyencious, avaricious and a bankrupt. 

35. Leisler, when informed of this appomtment, ought 
to have relinquished the authority he had exercised; but 
he was weak, intoxicated with power, and determined to 
retain it. Alt'iough twice required, he refused to surren- 
der the fort ; but sent two persons to confer with the 
governor, who, declaring them rebels, arrested and con- 
fined them. Alarmed by this measure, Leisler attempted 
to escape, but was apprehended, with many of his adhe- 
rents, and brought to trial. 

36. In vain did they plead their zeal for king W^illiam. 
In vam did Leisler insist that the letter from England 
authorized him to administer the government. They had 
lately resisted a governor with a regular commission, and 
this governor, and a subservient court, were resolved upon 
their conviction. Leisler and Milborne were condemned 
to death for high treason. 

37. Soon after their triaj, the affairs of the province 
required Sloughter's presence at Albany. The faction 
opposed to them, entreated him, before his departure, to 
sign the warrant for their execution ; but he, unwilling 
to sacrifice two men, who, though they had sometimes 
erred, had served his master with zeal, refused. Unable 



n NEW- YORK. 

to effect their purpos# by persuasion, they resorted to a 
detestable expedient. A sumptuous feast was prepared, 
to which the governor was invited. When he liad drurd: 
to intoxication, they presented him the warrant, which he 
signed, and when he had recovered his senses, the priso- 
ners were no more. 

3S. On application to the king, their estates, which had 
been confiscated, were restored to their heirs. Their 
bodies were afterwards taken up and interred, with great 
pomp, in the old Dutch church ; and their descendants are 
considered honored, rather than disgraced, by the conduct 
>irid fall of their ancestors. 

39. In July, 1691, Sloughter, having returned from 
Albany, ended, by a sudden death, a short, weak, and 

irbulent administration. About the same time, major 
j-eter Schuyler, at the head of three hundred Mohawks, 
made a sudden and bold attack upon the French settle- 
ments, at the north end of Lake Champlain. An army of 
eight hundred men was despatched from Montreal to 
oppose him. With these he had several irregular, but 
successful conflicts; in which he killed a number of the 
fciieray, greater than that of his whole party. 

40. In 1692, colonel Fletcher arrived as successor to 
Sloughter. He was a good soldier, was active, avaricious, 
atid passionate. From the talents and information of 
major Schuyler, he derived great assistance, and was 
governed by his advice, particularly in transactions rela- 
tive to the Indians. 

41. As a great portion of the inhabitants were Dutch, 
all the governors, to produce uniformity in religion and 
language, had encouraged English preachers and school- 
masters to settle in tlf.e colony. No one pursued this 
object with more zeal than Fletcher, who was devoted to 
the church of England. At two successive sessions, he 
recommended the subject to the attention of the assembly ; 
but the members, being generally attached to the church 
of Holland, disregarded his recommendations. For tliis 
neglect, he gave them a severe reprimand. 

42. The subject being laid before them, at a subsequent 
session, they passed a bill providing for the settlement, in 
certain parishes, of ministers of the gospel, to be chosen 
by the people. The council added an amendment, giving 
to the governor the power of approval or rejection. The 
house refused to concur in the amendment, at w}\i<"h 
Fletcher was so much enraged, that he commanded tuoiu 



NEW-YORK. 77 

tTBStantly to attend hini, and, addressing them tn an angry 
speech, prorogued them to the next year. 

43. in 1697, a peace, which gave security and repose to 
the colonies, was concluded between Great Britain and 
France. The next year, the earl of Bellamont was ap- 
pointed governor. He was particularly instructed to clear 
the American seas of the pirates who infested them, and 
who, it was suspected, had even received encouragement 
from Fletcher. 

44. The government declining to furnish thenecessary 
wival force, the earl engaged, with others, in a private 
undertaking against them. The associates, procuring a 
vessel of war, gave the command of it to a captain Kid, 
and sent him to cruise against the pirates. He had been 
but a short time at sea, when, disregarding his instructions, 
he made a new contract with his crew, and, on the Atlantic 
and Indian Oceans, became himself a daring, atrocious, 
and successful pirate. 

45. Three years afterwards, he returned, burned his 
ship, and, with a strange infatuation, appeared publicly at 
Boston. He was apprehended and sent to England, where 
he was tried and executed. The earl and his partners, 
some of whom resided in England, vv^ere accused of 
sharing in his plunder, but in all his examinatio^is he 
declared them innocent. 

4f). Notwithstanding the death of Leisler, the people 
were still divided into Leislerians and anti-Leislerians. 
Fletcher had been the instrument of the latter; Lord 
Bellamont espoused the cause of the former. He, how- 
ever, persecuted no one ; but exercised authority with 
justice and moderation. He died in 1701. 

47. The next year, lord Cornbury was appointed 
governor. He presented a striking proof of the folly of 
hereditary distinctions. He was the son of the celebrated 
earl of Clarendon ; but possessed not one of the virtues 
of his ancestor. Mean, profligate, and unprincipled, he 
was a burden to his friends at home, and was sent to 
America to be beyond the reach of his creditors. 

48. He declared himself an anti-Leislerian, and the first 
assembly that he summoned was composed principally of 
men of that party. They presented him two fiousand 
pounds to defray the expenses of his voyage. Tney raised 
several sums of money for public purposes, but the ex- 
penditure being intrusted to him as governor, he appro, 
priated most of it to his awn use. 

G 2 



78 NEW-YORK 

49. His acts of injustice and oppression ; his prodi^lity ; 
J his indecent and vulgar manners, rendered him universally 

odious. In 1708, the assemblies of New- York and of 
New-Jersey, of which colony he v^as also governor, com- 
plained to the queen of his misconduct. She removed hira 
from office; he was soon after arrested by his creditors, 
and remained in custody until the death of his illustrious 
father, when he returned to England and took his seat in 
the house of lords. 

50. A proceeding of the house of representatives, near 
the close of his administration, ought not to be passed 
over without notice. Wearied by their sufferings, they 
appointed a committee of grievances, who reported a series 
of resolutions having reference to recent transactions, 
which resolutions were adopted by the house. One of 
them, in explicit language, asserted the principle, " that 
the imposing and levying of any moneys upon her majesty's 
subjects of this colony, under any pretence or colour 
wliatsoever, without consent in general assembly, is a 
grievance and a violation of the people's property." it is 
not uninstructive to observe how early, in some of the 
colonies, were sown the seeds of the American revolution. 

5i. In 1710, general Hunter, who liad been apj)ointed 
governor, arrived in the province. He brought with him 
near three thousand Germans, some of whom settled in 
New- York, and some in Pennsylvania. The latter trans- 
mitted to their native land such favourable accounts of 
the country which they had chosen for their residence, 
that many others followed and settled in that colony. 
The numerous descendants of these Germans are honest, 
industrious, and useful citizens. 

53. The prodigality of lord Cornbury, had taught the 
assembly an imxportant lesson. Before his removal, they 
had obtained from the queen permission, in cases of special 
appropriations to appoint their own treasurer. They now 
passed a bill confiding to this officer the disbursement of 
certain sums appropriated for ordinary purposes. The 
council proposed an am.endment. The house denied the 
right of that body to amend a money bill. Both continuing 
obstinate, the governor prorogued them, and at their next 
fitession dissolved them. 

53. At this time, war existed between England and 
France. In 1709, expensive preparations were made for 
an attack upon Canada, but the promised assistance not 
orriving from England, the enterprise was abandoned. In 



NEW-YORK. t*r 

1711, the project was resumed. A fleet sailed up tho 
iSt. Lawrence, to attack Quebec ; and an army of lour 
thousand men, raised by New- York, New-Jersey, aud 
Connecticut, marched to invade Canada, by the route of 
Lake Champlain. The fleet, shattered by a storm, was 
compelled to return. Tiie army, informed of the disasters 
of the fleet, returned also, having accomplished nothing. 

51. The people, approving the conduct of their repre- 
sentatives in relation to the revenue, had re-elected 
nearly all of them, and they w^^re now in session. To 
defray the expenses of the late expedition, they passed 
several bills which were amended in the council. Be- 
tween these two bodies, another contest ensued. The 
representatives, deriving their authority from the people, 
considered themselves bound to watch over the expendi- 
ture of their money. The council, deriving their authority 
from the same source as the governor, we.e desirous of 
increasing his influence by giving him the management of 
the revenue. During this, and a subsequent session, both 
continued inflexible. The governor, provoked at the 
obstinacy of the representatives, dissolved the assembly. 

55. At the ensuing election, which was warmly con- 
tested, most of the members chosen, were opposed to the 
governor. This assembly was dissolved by the death of 
tti3 queen. The next was dissolved by the governor, soon 
after it first met, a majority of the representatives being 
known'to be unfriendly to his views. The people became 
weary of contending. Most of the members chosen at the 
succeeding election, were his friends and partisans, and, 
for several years, the utmost harmony existed between 
the different branches of the government. 

56. Governor Hunter quitted the province in 1719, and 
his authority devolved on Peter Schuyler, the oldest 
member of the council. The next year, William Burnet, 
son of the celebrated bishop of that name, vi^as appointed 
governor. Turning his attention towards the wilderness, 
he perceived that the French, in order to connect their 
settlements in Canada and Louisiana, to secure to them- 
selves the Indian trade, and to confine the English to the 
sea coast, M-ere busily employed in erecting a chain of 
forts from the St. Lawrence to the Mississippi. 

57. He endeavored to defeat their design, by building a 
t'-ading house, and afterwards a fort, at Oswego, on Lake 
Ontario. But the French had the command of more 
abundant resources, and applied them to the accomplish- 



■^^ NEW-YORK. 

ment of their object, with great activity and zeal. They 
launched two vessels upon that lake ; and, going farther 
into the wilderness, erected a fort at Niap-a, commanding 
the entrance into it; they had previously erected fort 
Frontenac, commanding the outlet. 

58. The assembly, elected in 1716, had been so obse- 
quious to the governor, that he continued it in existence 
until the clamors of the people induced him, in 1727, to 
dissolve it. That which next met, was composed entirely 
of his opponents. The court of chancery, in which he 
presided, had become exceedingly unpopular. It had been 
instituted by an ordinance of the governor and council, 
without the concurrence of the assembly; the mode of 
proceeding was novel; and some of the decisions had 
given great offence to powerful individuals. The house 
passed resolutions declaring it "a manifest opiH-ession 
and grievance," and intimating that its decrees were void. 
The governor instantly called the assembly before him, 
And dissolved it. 

' 59. Being soon after appointed governor of Massachu- 
setts, he was succeeded by colonel Montgomery, upon 
whose death, in 1731, the supreme authority devolved 
upon Rip Van Dam, the senior member of the council, 
luider his short and inefficient administration, the French 
were permitted to erect a fort at Crown Point, within the 
acknowledged boundaries of New- York, from which par- 
ties of savages were often secretly despatched to destroy 
tiie English settlements. 

CO. Van Dam was superseded by William Cosby, who 
arrived -n August, ll'S'i. Having been the advocate, in 
parlian>ent, of the American colonies, he was at first 
popular, but soon lost the affection and con/idence of the 
people. By his instigation, one Zenger, the printer of a 
newspaper, was prosecuted for publishing an article de- 
clared to be derogatory to the dignity of his majesty's 
government. He was zealously defended by able counsel, 
and an independent jury gave a verdict of ac(juital. The 
people applauded their conduct, and the magistrates of the 
city of New-York presented to Andrew Hamilton, one of 
his defenders, the freedom of the city, in a gold box, and 
their thanks for " his learned and generous defence of the 
rights of mankind, and the liberty of the press." 

61. Governor Cosby died in 1736, and was succeedea 
by George Clark, at that time senior counsellor, but soon 
after appointed lieutenant-go TOrnor. Again was reviv«>^d 



NEW- YORK. 81 

the contest which had ended, twenty years before, in the 
victory gained by governor Hunter, over the house of 
representatives. The colony being in debt, the house 
voted to raise the sum of six thousand pounds ; but, in 
order to prevent its misapplication, declared, that it 
should be applied to the payment of certain speciied 
debts. Offended by this vote, Clark resorted to the ex- 
pedient which had usunlly been adopted to puiiish or 
intimidate ; he immediately dissolved the assembly. 

G"2. At the next election, great exertions were made 
by the opposing parties. The popular party was trium- 
phant. At their second session, the house voted an 
address to the lieutenant-governor, which is worthy of 
particular notic^. In bold and explicit language, they 
state some of the vital principles of free government, 
refer to recent misapplications of money, and pre jeed : 

63. " We therefore beg leave to be plain with your 
honor, and hope you will not take it amiss when we tell 
you, that you are not to expect that we will either raise 
sums unfit to be raised, or put what we shall raise, into 
the power of a governor to misapply, if we can prevent 
it ; nor shall we make up any other deficiencies than 
what we conceive are fit and just to be paid ; nor con- 
tinue Avliat support or revenue we shall raise, for any 
longer time than one year ; nor do we think it convenient 
to do even that, until such laws are passed as we conceive 
necessary for the safety of the inhabitants of this colony, 
who have reposed a trust in us for that only purpose, and 
which we are sure you will think it reasonable we should 
act agreeably to ; and by the grace of God we shall 
endeavor not to deceive them." 

64. With a body of men, so resolute in asserting their 
rights, the lieutenant-governor wisely forebore to contend. 
He thanked them for their address, and promised his 
cordial co-operation in all measures calculated tO' promote 
the prosperity of the colony. He gave his assent to a 
law providing for the more frequent election of represen- 
tatives ; which law, however, two years afterv/ards, was 
abrogated by the king. 

65. But between a house of representatives and a chief 
mauistrate, deriving their authority from different sources, 
harmony could not long subsist. Mr. Clark, in his speech 
at the opening of the next session, declared that unless 
the revenue was granted for as long a time as it had been 
granted by fonner assemblies, his duty to his majesty 



82 NEW- YORK. 

forbade him from assenting to any act for confinutng th<? 
excise, or for paying the colonial bills of credit. The 
house unanimously resolved, that it would not pass any bill 
for tlie grant of money, unless assurance should be given 
that the excise should be continued and the bills of credit 
redeemed. 

66. The lieutenant-governor immediately ordered the 
members to attend him. He told them that " their pro- 
ceedings were presumptuous, daring, and unprecedented; 
that lie could not look rpon them without astonishment, 
nor with honor suffer the house to sit any longer ;" and he 
accordingly dissolved it. Little more than a year had 
elapsed, since the members were ciiosen ; but in that time 
they had, by their firm and spirited conduct, in support of 
the rights of the people, merited the gratitude of their 
constitueiits. 

67. About this time, a supposed "negro plot" occasioned 
rreat commotion and alarm in the city of New- York. 
The frequent occurrence of fires, most of which were 
evidently caused by design, first excited the jealousy and 
suspicion of the citizens. Terrified by danger whicti 
lurked unseen in the midst of them, they listened with 
eager credulity to the declaration of some abandoned 
fema^les, that the negroes had combined to burn the city 
and make one of their number governor. Many v^ere 
arrested and committed to prison. Other witnesses, not 
more -respectable than the first, came forward; other 
negroes were accused, and even several white men were 
designated as concerned in the plot. 

68. » When the time of trial arrived, so strong was the 
prejudice against the miserable negroes, that every lawyer 
in ttie city volunteered against them. Ignorant and 
unassisted, nearly all who were tried were condemned. 
Fourteen were sentenced to be burned, eighteen to be hung, 
seventy-one to be transported, and all these sentences 
were executed. Of the whites two were convicted and 
suffered death. 

69. All apprehension of danger having subsided, many 
began to doubt whether any plot had in fact been concerted. 
None of the witnesses were persons of credit, their stories 
were extravagant and often contradictory ; and the project 
was such as none but fools or madmen would form. The 
two white men were respectable ; one had received a 
liberal education, but he was a Catholic, and the prejudice 
a4?ainst Catholics was too violent to permit the free exer- 



NEW-YORK. 83 

cjse of reason. Some of the accused were doubtless guilty 
of settino: fire to the city; but the proof of the alleged plot 
was aot stifliclently clear to justify the numerous and cruel 
punishments that were inflicted. 

70. In April, 1740, the assembly again met. It had 
now risen to importance in the colony. The adherence of 
th»^ representatives to their determination, not to grant the 
rev fn lie for more than one year, ma(ie annual meetings 
of the assembly necessary. This attachment to liberty 
was mistaken for tiie desire of independence. Lieutenant- 
governor Clark, in a speech delivered in 1741, alludes to 
" a jealousy which for some years had obtained in Eng- 
land, that the plantations were not without thoughts of 
throwing off their dependence on the crown." 

71. In 1743, George Clinton was sent uver as governor 
of the colony. Like most of his predecessors he was 
welcomed with joy; and one of his earliest measures 
confirmed the favorable accounts, which had preceded 
him, of his talents and liberality. To show his willingness 
to repose confidence in the people, he assented to a bill .'' 
limiting the duration of the present and all succeedingj'^ 
assemblies. The house manifested its gratitude bjr ' 
adopting the measures he recommended for the defence / 
of the province against the French, who were then at war 
with England. 

72. In 1745, the savages in alliance wMta France made 
freqaent invasions of the English territories. The inhab- 
itants were compelled to desert Hosick ; Saratoga was 
destroyed; the western settlements ijj New-England were 
often attacked and plundered. Encouraged by success, 
the enemy became more daring, and small parties ventured 
within the suburbs of Albany, and there lay in wait for* 
prisoners. It is even said that one Indian, called Tomon-i 
wilemon, often entered the city and succeeded in taking* 
captives. 

73. Distressed by these incursions, the assembly, in 
174f>, determined to uni*e with the other colonies and the 
mother country in an expedition against Canada. They 
appropriated money to purchase provisious for the army, 
and offered liberal bounties to recruits. But the fleet from 
England did not arrive at the appoin^^ed time : the other 
colonies were dilatory in their preparations, and before 
they were completed, the sjason for military operations 
h"d passed ,away. 

* 1. Early in the next year, a treaty was concluded, and 



64 NEW-JERSEV. 

the inhabitants were, for a short period, relieved from the 
burdens and distresses of war. During the hiterval of 
peace, no event of importance hapi)ened in the colony. 
Upon the recurrence, a few years afterwards, of hostilities, 
its territory was the theatre of sanguinary conflicts. But 
of that war, in which all the cokmies acted in concert, a 
connected history will be hereafter given. 



CHAPTER VII. 
NEW-JERSEY. 

The first settlement within the limits of New-Jersey 
was made by the Danes, about the year 1G24, at a place 
called Bergen, from a city of that name in Norway. Soon 
afterv/ards, several Dutch families seated themselves in 
the vicinity of New- York. In 1626, a company was 
formed in Sweden, under the patronage of king Gustavus 
Adolphus, for the purpose of planting a colony in America. 
The next year, a number of Swedes and Finns came over, 
purchased of the natives the land on both sides of the river 
Delaware, but made their first settlement on its western 
bank, near Christina creek. 

2. About the year 1640, the English began a plantation 
at Elsingburgh, on its eastern bank. The Swedes, in 
concert with the Dutch who then possessed New- York, 
drove them out of the country. The former built a fort 
on the spot whence the English had been driven; and> 
gaining thus the command of the river, claimed and exer- 
cised authority over all vessels that entered it, even those 
of the Dutch, their late associates. 

3. They continued in possession of the country, on botk 
sides of the Delaware, until 1655, when Peter Stuyvesant, 
governor of the New-Netherlands, having obtained assist- 
ance from Holland, conquered all their posts and trans- 
ported most of the Swedes to Europe. The Dutch were 
now in possession of the territory comprising, at tliistimo, 
the states of New-Jersey, New- York, and Delaware. 

4. Soon, however, ^his territory changed masters. Kiny 
Charles II, having granted it to the duke of York, sent an 
aniaament, in 1664, to wrest it from the Dutch, After 
reducing New-York, the squadron proceeded to the settle 
ments on the Delaware, which 'ixwiieuiately submitted 



NEW-JERSEY. 85 

In the same year, the duke conveyed that portion of his 
grant, lying between Hudson and Delaware rivers, to lord 
Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. This tract was called 
New-Jersey, in compliment to Sir George, who had been 
governor of the island of Jersey, and had held it for king 
Charles in his contest with the parliament. 

5. The two proprietors formed a constitution for the 
colony, securing equal privileges and liberty of conscience 
to all, and appointed Philip Carte' ~t governor. He came 
over in 1(»<J5, fixed the seat of government at Elizabeth- 
town, purchased land of the Indians, and seat agents into 
New- Engl and to invite settlers from that quarter. The 
terms offered were so favorable that many accepted the 
invitation. 

6. A few years afterwards, the repose of the colony began 
to be disturbed by domestic disputes. Some of the inhabit- 
ants, having purchased their lands of the Indians previous 
to the conveyance from the duke, refused to pay rent to 
the proprietors. Others were discontented from different 
causes. In 1G72, an insurrection took place, the people 
assumed the government, and chose James Carteret, the 
son of Philip, their governor. The father returned to 
England, and obtained from the proprietors such favorable 
concessions and promises as quieted the people, and 
induced them again to submit to his authority. 

7. Lord Berkeley disposed of his property, ^eights, and 
priviloges in the territory, to Edward Billinge ; and he, 
being involved in debt, consented that they should be sold 
for the benefit of his creditors. Williaim Penn, Gawen 
Lowrie, and Nicholas Lucas, were appointed trustees for 
that pu:i)ose. In 1(576, the trustees and Sir George Car- 
teret made partition of the territory, they taking the western 
and he the eastern portion. 

8. West-Jersey was then divided into one hundred 
shares, which were separately sold. Some of the fjur- 
chasers emigrated to the country, and all made great 
exertions to promote its population. Possessing the 
powers of government, as well as the right of soil, they 
formed a constitution, in which, for the encouragement of 
emigrants, they secured to them ample privileges. 

9. But previous to the transfer from Berkeley to Billinge, 
the Dutch, being at war with England, reconquered the 
country, and retained it, until 1674, when it was restored 
by freaty. A new patent was then granted to the duke, 
including the same territory «s the former. In 1678, Sir 

II 



86 NEW-JERSEY. 

Edmund Andross, who had been appointed his sole governoi 
in America, claimed jurisdiction over the Jerseys, insisting 
that the conquest by tiie Dutch divested tlie proprietors 
of all their rights. 

10. He forcibly seized, transported to New-York, and 
there imprisoned those magistrates who refused to acknow- 
ledge his authority. He imposed a duty upon all goods 
imported, and upon the property of all who came to settle 
in the .^.ountry. Of this injustice the inhabitants loudly 
complained to the duke; and at length their repeated 
remonstrances constrained him to refer the matter to 
commissioners. 

11. Before them the proprietors appeared. In strong 
language they asserted, and by strong arguments supported, 
their claim to the privileges of freemen. They represented, 
that the king had granted to the duke the right of govern- 
ment as well as the right of soil ; That the duke had 
transferred the same rights to Berkeley and Carteret, and 
they to the pt-esent proprietors. 

12. " That only," they added, " could have induced us 
to purchase lands and emigrate. And the reason is plain; 
t(\ all prudent men, the government of any place is more 
inviting than the boil ; for what is good land without good 
laws 1 What but an assurance that we should enjoy civil 
and religiops privileges, could have tempted us to leave a 
cultivated country, and resort to a gloomy wilderness 1 
What have we gained, if, after adve-nturing in this wilder- 
ness many thousands of pounds, we are \et to be taxed at 
the mere will and pleasure of another ] What is it but to 
say, that people, free by law under their prince at home, 
are at his mercy in his plantations abroad 1 

13. " We humbly say, that we have lost none of our 
liberty by leaving our country ; that the duty imposed upon 
us is without precedent or parallel ; that, had we foreseen 
it, we should have preferred any other plantation in Ame- 
rica. Besides, thei-e is no limit to this power; since we 
are, by this precedent, taxed without any law, and thereby 
excluded from our English right of assenting to taxes ; 
what security have we of any thing we possess 1 We can 
call nothing our own, but are tenants at will, not only for 
the soil, but for our personal estates. Such conduct has 
destroyed governments, bit never raised one to any true 
greatness." 

14. The commissioners adjudged the duties illegal and 
oppressive, and thjey were not afterwards demanded. 



DELAWARE. 87 

Emigrants continued to arrive and the country to prosper. 
In 1681, the governor of West- Jersey summoned a gen- 
era! assembly, by \vhich several fundamental laws were 
enacted, establishing the rights of the people, and defining 
the powers of ruleis. , 

15. In 1682, the territory of East-Jersey passed from 
Carteret to William Penn, and twenty-three assoo-'ates, 
mostly of the Quaker persuasion. They appointed Kruert 
Barclay, author of the "Apology for the Quakers," gover- 
nor over it for life. The multitude of proprietors, and the 
frequent transfers and subdivisions of shares, introduced 
such confusion in titles to laiid, and such uncertainty as to 
the rights of gijvernment, that, for twenty years afterwards, 
both Jerseys were in a state of continued disturbance and 
disorder. In ITO'J, the proprietors, weary of contending 
with each other, and with the people, surrendered the 
right of government to the crovvii. Queen Anne reu- 
nited the two divisions, and appointed lord Cornbury 
governor over the provinces of New- Jersey and New- York. 

16. These provinces continued, for several years, to be 
ruled by the same governor, but each chose a separate 
assembly. In 173H, the inhabitants, by petition to the 
icing, desired that they might, in future, have a separate 
governor. Their request was granted, Lewis Morris being 
tl.e first tnat was appointed. 

17. In the same yoar, a college was founded at Prince- 
ton and called Nassau Hall. NeAV-Jersey then contained 
above forty thousand inhabitants. Being remote from 
Canada, the source of most of the Indian wars which 
afflicted the northern colonies, it enjoyed a complete 
exemption from that terrible calamity, and until the com- 
mencement of the revolution, furniohed no materials for 
history. 



CHAPTER Vin. 
DELAWARE. 

THIS colony was first settled by a company of Swedes 
and Finns, under the patronage of king Gustavus Adolphus. 
They came over in 1G37, and landing at cape Henlopen, 
were so charmed with its appearance, that they gave it 
the name of Paradise Point. The countiy they called 



m DELAWAKK. 

New-Swtiden, and the river Delaware, New-SwedelanJ 
Stream. They purchased of the Indians the lands on both 
sides of that river, from the sea to the falls, and seated 
themselves at the mouth of Christina creek, near Wil- 
mington. 

2. Being frequently molested by the Dutch, who claimed 
a ri^ht to the country, they, for their protection, built fort^ 
at Ch istina, Lewistown, and Tinicuin. The last was 
their seat of government, and there John Printz, their 

fovernor, erected an elegant mansion which he named 
•rintz Hall. 

3. In 1G51, the Dutch built a fort at New-Castle. 
Printz, considering this place to be within the Swedish, 
territories, formally protested against the proceeding. 
Risingh, his successor, made a visit, under the guise of 
friendship, to the commander of the fort, and, being ac- 
companied by thirty men, treacherously took possession of 
it, while enjoying his hospitality. 

4. Peter Stay vesant, the Dutch governor of New- York, 
was not of a temper to permit an injury thus committed, to 
pass unavenged. Accompanied by an armament, a part of 
which was furnished for the occasion by the city of Am- 
sterdam, in Holland, he, in 1G55, returned the visit of the 
Swedes. He first reduced the fort at New-Ca«?tle ; then 
that at Christina creek, where Risingh command^^d ; and 
afterwards the others. Some of the Swedes, on taking 
the oath of allegiance to Holland, were permitted to 
remain ; the lest were sent to Europe. 

5. The settlements on the Delaware continued under the 
control of the Dutch, until 1664, when the New-Nether- 
lands were conquered by the English. They were then 
considered as a part of New- York. In 1682, William 
Penn purchased of the duke of York, the town of New- 
Castle, and the country twelve miles around it ; and by a 
subsequent purchase, obtained the land lying upon the 
Delaware, and between New-Castle and cape Henlopen. 
These tracts, which constitute the present state of Dela- 
ware, were called tne "Territories," and were, for twenty 
years, governed as a part of Pennsylvania. 

6. They were divided into three counties, New-Castle, 
Kent, and Sussex, each of which sent six delegates to the 
general assembly. In 1703, these delegates, dissatisfied 
with the last charter which Penn had prepared, and a 
majoritv of the assembly had adopted, seceded, and, liberty 
being given, fornaed a separate and distinct assembly. Thd 



PENNSYLVANIA. 89 

two portions of the province were never afterwards united, 
but the proprietor continued to possess the same jurisdic- 
tii)n, ami the same person uniformly acted as governor 
over bom. 

7. Sheltered by the surrounding provinces, Delaware 
enjoyed an entire exemption from wars, except those in 
which, as a part of the British empire, she was obliged to 
participate. In the war with France, which terminated 
in 1763, she was second to none in active zeal to assist 
the parent state. In the revolutionary war, the Delaware 
regiment was considered the most efficient in the conti- 
nental army. 



CHAPTER IX. 
PENNSYLVANIA. 

William Pentn, the founder of Pennsylvania, was the 
son of Sir William Penn, an admiral in the British navy. 
In his youth, he joined the qrakers, then an obscure and 
persecuted sect. While superintending the settlement of 
New- Jersey, he became acquainted with an extensive 
tract of fertile, unoccupied land lying between the terri- 
tories of the duke of York and lord Baltimore. At his 
solicitation, and in recompense for unrequited services 
whio.h his father had rendered the nation, this tract was, 
in 1081, granted to him in full property, and by the king 
called Pennsylvania. 

2. Desirous of selling his lands and founding a colony, 
he, in a public advertisement, described the country, and 
set forth the advantages which it offered to emigrants. 
Many persons, chiefly quakers, were induced to purchase. 
The fee simple of the soil was sold at the rate of twenty 
pounds for every thousand acres ; and they who rented 
lands, agreed to pay one penny yearly per acre. Before the 
emigrants embarked, certain " conditions and concessions" 
were by them and the propriety agreed upon and subscribed. 

3. In the fall, three ships, carrying settlers, sailed for 
Pennsylvania. The pious and philanthropic proprietor 
sent a letter to the Indians, informing them that " the 
great God had been pleased to m?ke him concerned in 
their part of the world, and that the king of the country 
wl>ere he lived, had given him a great province therein ; 

u s 



90 PENNSYLVANIi^ 

but that he did not desire to enjoy it without their consem ; 
that he was a man of peace ; and that the people whom 
he sent were of the saine disposition; and if any tkfl[e- 
rence should happen between them, it migh*: he adjusted 
by an equal number of men chosen on both sides." The 
position selected by these emigrants for a settlement was 
abov« the confluence of the Delaware and the Schuylkill, 

4. In April, 1682, Penn published a Frame of Govern- 
menl, the chief olyect of which was declared to be " to 
support power in reverence with the people, and to secure 
the people from the abuse of power." He published also 
a Bodi/ of Laics, which had been examined and approved 
by the emigrants in England ; and which, says an eminent 
historian, "does great honor to their wisdom as statesmen, 
to their morals as men, and to their spirit as colonists." 
From the duke of York, he obtained the relinquishment 
of a tract of land, lying on the south side of the Delaware, 
a part of which was already settled, and in August, ac- 
companied by about two thousand emigrants, set sail for 
America. 

5. He landed first at New-Castlo, which was a part of 
the " Territories," as the land conveyed to him by the 
duke was called. Upon this tract he found about three 
thousand Dutch, Swedes, and Finns. He proceeded to 
Chester, where he called an assembly on the fourth of 
December. This assembly annexed the Territories to 
the province, adopted the Frame of Government, and 
enacted in form the Body of Law^s. Penn also made a 
treaty with the Indians, from whom he purchased as much 
land as the circumstances of the colony required. He 
selected the site, and marked out the plan, of an extensive 
city, to which he gave the name of Philadelphia, or the 
city of love. Before the end of the year, it contained 
eighty houses and cottages. 

6. The settlement of none of the colonies commenced 
under such favourable auspices as that of Pennsylvania. 
The experience of half a century had disclosed the evils 
to be avoided, and pointed out the course to be pursued. 
The Indians, having been already taught to tear the power 
of the whites, were the more easily conciliated by their 
kindness. The soil being fertile, the climate temperate, 
and the game abundant, the ilrst emigrants escaped most 
of the calamities which afflicted the more northern and 
southern provinces. The increase of population exceeded, 
of course, all former example. 



PENNSYLVANIA. 91 

7. In the new city, a second assembly was held in 
March, 1683. At the request of the freemen and delegates, 
Perm granted them a second charter, which diminished the 
number of the council and assembly, and was, in other 
respects, different from the first. Some of the regulations, 
at that time adopted, bear the impress of the proprietor's 
singidar genius, and benevolent disposition. 

8. It was ordained "that, to prevent lawsuits, three 
arbitrators, to be called peace-makers, should be chosen 
by the county co irts, to hear and determine snjall diffe- 
rences between man and man : That chilaren should be 
taught some useful trade, to the end that none might be 
idle, that the poor might work to live, and the rich if they 
should become poor: That factors, wronging their employ- 
ers, should make satisfaction and one third over : That 
every thing, which excites the people to rudeness, cruelty, 
and ineligion, should be discouraged and severely punished : 
That no one, acknowledging one God and living peaceably 
in society, should be molested for his opinions or his 
pract Ice, or compelled to frequent or maintain any ministry 
whatever." 

9. These judicious regulations attracted numerous 
emigrants; and to their salutary influence must be at- 
tributed the qualities of diligence, order, and economy for 
which the Pennsylvanians are so justly celebrated. 
Within four years from the date of the grant to Penn, 
the province contained twenty-settlements, and Philadel- 
phia two thousand inhabitants. 

10. In 1684, the proprietor retunned to England. He 
left his province in profound tranquillity, under the ad- 
ministration of five commissioners chosen from the 
council. The unfortunate James II. soon after ascended 
tne throne. " As he has," said Penn, " been my friend, 
and my father's friend, I feel bound in justice to be a friend 
to him." He adhered to him while seated on the thione, 
and for two years after he was expelled from his kingdom, 
tiie government of the province was administered in his 
name. 

1 1. By this display of attachment to the exiled monarch, 
he incurred t>.e displeasure of king William. On vague 
suspicion, and unfounded charges, he was four times im- 
prisoned. The government of his colony was taken from 
him, and given to colonel Fletcher, the governor of New- 
York. But by the severest scrutiny, it was rendered 
apparent, that he had, in all his conduct, been actuated as 



92 PENNSYLVANIA. 

much by the love of his country as by personal gratitude. 
He regained the good opinion of king William ; and, being 
permitted to resume and exercise his rights, appointed 
vViliiam Markham to be his deputy governor. 

1'2. In 1()91), hf again visited Pennsylvania, and found 
the people dis'.'ontented. They complained that his powers 
and th'oir rights were not defined with sufficient precision, 
and demanded a new charter. In 1701, he prepared and 
presented one to the assembly, which wai aci;epied. It 
gave to the assembly the right of originating bills, which, 
by the previous charters, was the right of the governor 
alone, and of amending or rejecting those which might be 
laid before them. To the governor it gave the right of 
rejpctmg bills passed by the assembly, of appointing his 
own council, and of exercising the whole executive power. 
The Territories, now the state of Delaware, refusing to 
ac3ept the new charter, separated from Pennsylvania, and 
were allowed a distinct assembly. The same governor, 
hovi^ever, presided over both. 

13. Immediately after his third charter was accepted, 
Penn returned to England, and the executive authority 
was afterwards administered by deputy governors appointed 
by the proprietor. The people incessantly murmured and 
complained ; but the uninterrupted and unparalleled pros- 
perity of the colony demonstrates, that but slight causes 
of complaint existed. That which produced the greatest 
and most constant irritation was the refusal, by the deputy 
governors, to assent to any law imposing taxes on the 
lands of the proprietors, although the sum raised was to 
be expended for the benefit of the whole province. This 
unwise, and indeed unjust, claim of exemption, occasioned 
greater di-5giist than injury, and embittered all the enjoy- 
ments of the inhabitants. 

14. But these dissensions did not, in the lecst, retard the 
prosperity of the colony. Nor did any other cause, having 
that tendency, exist. The upright conduct of Penn, in 
his intercourse with the Indians, was imitated by tho^e 
who came after him ; and, for seventy years, uninterrupted 
harmony existed between them and the whites. In the 
early part of the revolr-tionary war, the people adopted a 
new constitution, by which the proprietor was excluded 
from all share in the government. He was offered, and 
finally accepted, the sum of 570,000 dollars, m discharge 
of all quit- rents due from the inhabitants. 



CHAPTER X. 
MARYLAND. 

During the reign of James I, the laws agahist Ro- 
man Catholics were severe and the popular hatred was 
inveterate. Lord Baltimore, a distinguished member of 
that sect, resolved, in consequence, to remove from Eng- 
land to Virginia, believing that he might there enjoy his 
religious opinions, without violating the laws or incurring 
reproach. But the people among whom he came to reside, 
were almost as intolerant as those he had left, and he 
soon found it necessary to seek some other asylum. 

2. Having ascertained that the territory on both sides 
of Chesapeake bay, was inhabited only by the natives, he 
conceived the project of planting there a colony for himself, 
and for all who might wish to retire from religious persecu- 
tion. He explored the country, returned to England, ob- 
tained the assent of king Charles I to a grant of territory, 
but died before the requisite formalities were completed. 

3. Cecil, his eldest son, and heir to his estate and title, 
obtained for himself the grant intended for his father. .To 
the new colony the name of Maryland was given, in honor 
of Henrietta Maria, the royal consort of Charles. The 
land conveyed being witnin the boundariesof Virginia, the 
planters in that province remonstrated against the grant. 
The king refusing to rescind it, lord Baltimore made 
preparations to commence a settlement. He appointed 
his brother, Leonard Calvert, governor ; who, near the 
close of the year 1633, sailed for America, accompanied 
by about two hundred emigrants, mostly Roman Catholics. 

4. They arrived in February, 1634, at the mouth of the 
river Potomac. At a conference with the Indians who 
dwelt on the shore, they purchased Ycamaco, a considerable 
village, the site of which St. Mary's now occupies. By 
this measure, wise as well as just, the riiihlful proprietors 
of the soil were satisfied, convenient habitations and some 
cultivated land were obtained, and tht^ first settlers were 
of course exempted from the miseries of famine, and from 
the diseases which it produces. 

5. Other circumstances favored the rapid population of 
the colony. The charter granted move ample privileges 
than had ever b^en conceded to a subject ; the country 
wa« inviting; tlie natives were friendly; from the south 

i 



9i MARYLAND, 

churchmen drove puritans, from the north puritans drove 
churchmen, into her borders, where all were freely received, 
protected, and cherished. 

6. The cfiarter j^ranted to the inhabitants the privilege 
of passing laws either by themselves or representatives, 
v/ithout reserving to the crown, as had been done in all 
previous charters, ihe riglit to reject the laws so passed. 
At first, when the fret^men were few in number, each 
attended in person, or authorized some other freeman, who 
chose to atten 1, to vote and act in his stead. The increase 
of population soon lendered it necessary to adopt a differ- 
ent mode of legislation. In 1G39, an act was passed, 
cons ituting a " house of assembly," to be composed of such 
as should be chosen by the people, of such as should be 
summoned or appointed by the proprietor, and of the gover- 
nor and secretary. These were to sit together, and the 
laws which they should enact were to possess the same 
validity, as though the proprietors and f.ll the people 
had concurred in enacting them. 

7. In 1(550, a second alteration was made. The legis- 
lative body was divided into two branches, the delegates 
chosen by the people constituting the lov/er house, and the 
persons summoned by the [)roprietors, the upper house. It 
ought to be stated, for the honor of lord Baltimore and 
ills associate?, that, while the catholics retained the 
ascendency in the province, the assembly passed no law 
abridging the liberty of conscience. 

8. But this colony, as well as all the others, in the early 
period of their existence, was afflicted with intestine 
troubles. They were principally caused by one William 
Clayborne. While a member of tlie Virginia council he 
had obtained a license from the king, to traffic in those 
parts of America Avhere no other person enjoyed the exclu- 
sive right of trade. Under this license, he had made a 
small settlement on the island of Kent, and, when the 
grant was made to lord Baltimore, refused to submit to his 
authority. He persuaded the natives that the "new 
comers" were Spaniards, and enemies to the Virginians. 
An Indian war was the consequence, whif^ii continued 
several years, and was productive of considerable distress. 

9. Clayborne was indicted and convicted of murder, 
piracy, and sedition; and fleeing from justice, his estate 
was confiscated. He applied to the king for redress, but 
after a full hearing, was dismissed without obtaining any 
order in his favor. When the civil war, between the king 



MARYLAND. 95 

and parHament, began, he embraced the cause of the latter, 
returned to Maryland, and, by his intrigues fomented, in 
1*345, a rebellion against its rulers, who were attached to 
the royal cause. Calvert, the governor, was compelled to 
fly to Virginia, and the insurgents seized the reins of 
government. The next year, however, the revolt was 
suppressed and tranquillity restored. 

10. But after the parliament had triumphed over the 
king, tliey appointed commissioners for "reducing and 
governing the colonies within the bay of ('hesnpeake." 
Auiong these was Clayborne, the evil genius of Maryland. 
The proprietor, consenting to acknowledge the authority 
of parliament, was permitted to retain his station, but was 
nnable to preserve tranquillity. The distractions of Eng- 
land, finding their way into the colony, occasioned a civil 
war, which ended in the discomfiture of the governor and 
Roman Catholics. 

11. The next assembly, which was entirely under the 
influence of the victorious party, ordained that persons 
professing the Catholic religion should not be considered 
within tlie protection of the laws. Thus were they 
ungratefully persecuted by men whom they had taken to 
their bosom, and in a colony which they had founded. 
Laws unfavorable to the Quakers were also enacted, and 
here, as in England, the upper house was voted to be 
useless. At the restoration, in 16(50, Philip Calvert was 
appointed governor,and the ancient order of things restored. 
The colony then contained about twelve thousand iiihab- 
itants. 

12. Tn 167G, died Cecil, lord Baltimore, the father of 
the province. For more than forty years, he had directed 
its affairs as proprietor, and displayed, in all his conduct, 
a benevolent heart and enlisfhtened understanding. Al- 
though he lived in an age of bigotry, he was liberal in his 
opinions ; and for all his exertions to contribute to the 
happiness of his fellow beings, he desired no rev/ard but 
their gratitude. This reward he received. The records 
of the Maryland assembly contain frequent memorials of 
the respect and affection of the people. He was succeeded, 
as proprietor, by his eldest son, Charles, who had, for 
several years, been governor of the colony, and displayed 
the same amiable qualities which had rendered his father 
rrspected and beloved. 

13. In the year 1689, the epoch of the revolntion in 
Engla-nd, the repose of Maryland was again disturbed. A 



9G N ORTH-C AROLINA. 

rumor was artfully circulated, that the Catholics had 
leagued with the Indians to desti-oy all the Protestants in 
the province. An armed association was immediately 
formed, for the defence of the Protestant religion, and for 
asserting the rights of king William and queen Mary. 
Tiie magistrates attempted to oppose by force this asso- 
ciation ; but, meeting with few supporters, were compelled 
to abdicate the government. 

14. King William directed those who had assumed the 
supreme authority to exercise it in his name ; and for 
twenty-seven years the crown retained the entire control 
of the province. In 1716, the proprietor was restored to 
his rights ; and he and his descendants continued to enjoy 
them until the commencement of the revolution. The 
people then assumed the government, adopted a constitu- 
tion, and refused to admit the claims of lord Baltimore to 
jurisdiction or property. 



CHAPTER XL 
NORTH-CAROLINA. 

In 1630, Charles I granted to Sir Robert Heath all the 
territory between the 30th and 36th degrees of north 
latitude, and extending from the Atlantic ocean to the 
South sea, by the name of Carolina. Under this grant, no 
settlement was made. Between 1640 and 1650, persons 
suffering from religious intolerance in Virginia, fled beyond 
her limits, and, without license from any source, occupied 
that portion of North-Carolina, north of Albemarle sound. 
They found the winters mild and the soil fertile. As their 
cattle and swine procured their own support in the woods 
and multiplied fast, they were enabled, with little labor, 
to live in the enjoyment of abundance. Their number 
was annually augmented; they acknowledged no superior 
upon earth, and obeyed no laws but those cf God and nature. 

2. In 1661, another settlement was made, near the 
mouth of (Clarendon river, by adventurers from Massachu- 
setts. The land being sterile and the Indians hostile, 
th'^y, in 1663, abandoned it. Immediately afterwards, 
their place was sujjpliod by emigrants from Barbadoes, wha 
invested Sir Jolia Yeomans with the authority of governor. 

3. ^'lY Robert Heath having neglected to comply with 



NORTH-CAROLINA. 07 

the conditions of his patent, the king, in 1663, granted 
the same territory to lord Clarendon and seven others, 
and invested them with ample powers of government over 
those who should inhabi-t it. To encourage emigration, 
they gave public assurances, that all who might remove to 
their territory, sliould enjoy unrestricted religious liberty, 
and be governed by a free assembly. Tlie settlers on 
Albemarle sound were, on certain conditions, allowed to 
retain their lands. A government over them was organized, 
at the head of which a Mr. Drummond was placed. With 
the regulations imposed, they were dissatisfied, and re- 
volted ; but their grievances were redressed, and, in 1668, 
they returned to their duty. 

4. At tiie request of the proprietors, the celebrated 
John Locke, whose political writings were then much 
read and admired, prepared for the colony a constitution 
of government. It provided that a chief officer, to be 
called the palatine and to hold his office during life, should 
be elected from among the proprietors ; that a hereditary 
nobility, to be called landgraves and caziques, should be 
created; and that, once in two years, representatives 
should be chosen by the freeholders. All these, with the 
proprietors or their deputies, were to meet in one assembly, 
which was to be called the parliament, and over which 
the palatine was to preside. The parliament could de- 
liberate and decide only upon such propositions as should 
be laid before it by a grand council composed of the 
palatine, nobility, and deputies of the proprietors. 

5. This constitution, however wise it might seem to 
English politicians, was not adapted to the sentiments 
and habits of the people for whom it was prepared. Its 
aristocratic features displeased them. The measures 
adopted to introduce and enforce it, produced, in connection 
with other causes, an insurrection, in the progress of 
which the palatine, and the deputies were seized and 
imprisoned. Application was made to Virginia for as- 
sistance in restoring order ; but the fear of punishment 
induced the insurgents to submit, before an armed force 
could be arrayed against them. 

6. In 1070, William Sayle, under the direction of the 
proprietors, made a settlement at Port Royal, within the 
limits of South-Carolina. The next year, dissatisfied with 
this station, he removed his colony northward, to a neck 
of land between Ashley and Cooper rivers, where he laid 
ont a town, which, in honour of the king then reigning, 



08 NORTH-CAROLINA. 

he called Charleston. Dying aoon after, Sir John Y<',o- 
mans, who had, for several years, been governor at 
Clarendon, was appointed to succeed him. This new 
settlement attracted at first many inhabitants from that at 
Clarendon, and at length entirely exhausted it. Being 
remote irom Albemarle, the proprietors established a 
separate government over it, and hence arose t^ie distinc- 
tive appellations of North and South-Carolina. 

7. The prosperity of the northern colony was retarded 
by domestic dissensions. To allay them, Seth Sothel, 
one of the proprietors, was appointed chief magistrate. 
His conduct, far from restoring quiet and contentment, 
increased the disorders which had before prevailed. He 
is represented as the most corrupt and rapacious of 
colonial governors. He plundered the innocent and re- 
ceived bribes from felons. For six years, the inhabitants 
endured his injustice and oppression. They then seized 
him, with a view of sending him to England for trial. At 
his request, he was detained and tried by the assembly, 
who banished him from the colony. 

8. His successor was Philip Ludwell, of Virginia, and 
to him succeeded John Archdale, who was a quaker and 
one of the proprietors. Both were popular governors ; 
under their administration, the colony prospered and 'the 
people were happy. In 1693, at the request of the Caro- 
linians, the constitution of Locke was abrogated by the 
proprietors, and each colony was afterwards ruled by a 
governor, council, and house of representatives. 

9. In 1707, a company of French protestants arrived 
and seated themselves on the river Trent, a branch of the 
Neuse, in 1710, a large number of Palatines, fleeing from 
religious persecution in Germany, sought "efuge in the 
same part ot the province. To each of these, the pro- 
priet(»rs granted one bundled acres of land. They lived 
happy, for a few years, in the enjoyment of liberty of 
conscience, and in the piospect of competence and ease. 

10. But suddenly a terrible calamity fell upon them. 
The Tuscarora and Coree Indians, smarting under recent 
injuries, and dreading total extinction from the encroach- 
ment of these strangers, plotted, with characteristic 
secrecy, their entire destruction. Sending their families 
to one of their fortified towns, twelve hundred bowmen 
sallied forth, and, in the same night, attacked, in separate 
parties, the nearest settlements of the Pa]atines. Men, 
women, and children were indiscriminately butchered. 



NORTH-CAROLINA. 99 

The savjiges, with the swiftness and ferocity of wolves, 
ran from village to village. Before them, was the repose 
of innocence ; behind, the sleep of death. A few, escapmg, 
alarmed the settlements more remote, and hastened to 
South-Carolina for assistance. 

11. Goveriior Craven immediately despatched, to the 
aid of the sister colony, nearly a thonsand men, under the 
command of colonel Barnwell. After a fatiguing march 
through a hideous wilderness, they met the enemy, at- 
tacked, defeated, and pursued them to their fortified town, 
whiidi was immediately besieged. In a few days, peace, 
at their solicitation, was concluded, and colonel Barnwell 
returned to South-Carolina. 

12. The peace was short, and upon the recommence- 
ment of hostilities, assistance was again scUcited from the 
southern colony. Colonel James Moore, an active young 
officer, was immediately despatched, with forty white 
men and eight hundred friendly Indians. He found the 
enemy in a fort near Cotechny river. After a siege, which 
continued more than a week, the fort was taken and eight 
hundred Inuians made prisoners. The Tuscaroras, dis- 
heartened by this defeat, migrated, in 1713, to the north, 
and joined the celebrated confederacy, denominated the 
Five Nations. The others sued for peace, and afterwards 
continued friendly. 

I.'?. Until 1729, the two Carolinas, though distinct for 
many purposes, remained under the superintendence and 
control of the same proprietors. Neither had betn pros- 
perous ; and the interests of the governors and governed 
being apparently adverse to each other, the latter became 
discontented and refractory. They complained to the 
king, who directed inquiry to be made in his courts. The 
charter which he had granted was declared forfeited, and 
over each colony, royal governmenis, entirely unconnected 
with each other, were established. 

14. Soon after this event, the soil in the interior of 
North-Carolina was found to be superior in fertility to 
that on the sea-coast. The settlements, consequently, 
advanced rapidly into the wilderness. From the northern 
colonies, particularly Pennsylvania, multitudes were al- 
lured to this re^rion by the mildness of the climate, and by 
tiie facility of obtaining in abundance all the neccessaries 
of life. At peace with the Indians, and fortunate in her 
governors, the colony continued to prosper imtil the com- 
monoement of the troubles which preceeded the revolution. 



CHAPTER XII. 
SOUTH-CAROLINA. 

This colony, and that of North-Carolina, were, as has al 
ready been stated, included in the same charter. In 1670, 
governor Sayle made, at Port Royal, the first permanent 
settlement ivithin its limits. The next year, he founded 
Old Charleston, on the banks of the river Ashley. In 
1684, all the freemen, meeting at this place, elected rep- 
resentatives to sit in the colonial parliament, according to 
the provisions of the constitution prepared by Mr.Loeke. 

2. Several circumstances contributed to promote the 
settlement of this colony. The conquest of New- York 
induced many of the Dutch to resort to it. From Eng- 
land, puritans came to avoid the profanity and licentious- 
ness which disgraced the court of Charles II ; and cav- 
aliers, to retrieve their fortunes, exhausted by the civil 
wars. The arbitrary measures of Louis XIV, drove rnauy 
French protestants into exile, some of whom crossed tli? 
Atlantic and settled in Carolina. Many of these exiles 
were rich ; all were industrious, and by their exemplary 
demeanor gained the good will of the proprietors. 

3. The situation of Charleston being found inconve- 
nient, the inhabitants, in 1680, removed to Oyster Point, 
where a new city was laid out, to which the name of ihe 
other was given. In the same year, commenced a war wit h 
the Westoes, a powerful tribe of Indians, which threaten- 
ed g\-eat injury to the colony. Peace, however, was soon 
restored. In 1690, Seth Sothel, one of the jjroprietors, 
having, for corrupt conduct, been driven from North-Car- 
olina, appeared suddenly at Charleston, and, aided by a 
powerful faction, assum-^d the reins of government. Two 
years afterwards he was removed from office. 

i. The proprietors, having observed the good conduct 
of the French protestants, directed the governor to permit 
them to elect representatives, a privilege which they had 
never yet exercised. The English Episcopalians, unwil- 
ling that any of their heriditary enemies, who did not be- 
long to their church, should be associated with themselves 
in the enjoyment of the rights of freemen, were exasper- 
ated, and opposed the concession with great clamour and 
zeal. They even went farther. Warmed by oppofsition, 
they proposed to enforce, with respect to them, the lawa 



SOUTH-UAROLlNA. 10 v 

of England against foreigners, insisting that they could 
not legally possess real estate in the colony. They ali>o 
declared that their marriages, being solemnized by French 
ministers, were void, and • tiat the children could not in- 
herif. the property of their fathers. By the display of a 
spirit so illiberal and unchristian, these strangers were 
alarmed and discouraged. They knew not for whom thej 
labored. But, countenanced by the governor, liiey re- 
mained in the colony, and, for the present, withdrew their 
claim to the right of suffrage. 

5. Yet the ferment did not subside on the removal of 
the cause which produced it. Such was the general 
turbulence and disorder, the people complaining of their 
rulers and quarrelling among themselves, that, in 1G95, 
John Archdale wag sent over, as governor of both Caro- 
linas, and invested with full power to redress all grievan- 
ces. He succeeded in restoring order, but found the 
antipathy against the unfortunate exiles too great to be 
encountered, with any hope of success, until softened by 
time and their amiable deportment. These produced the 
effects which he anticipated. In a few years, the French 
protest ants were admitted, by the general assembly, to all 
the rights ot citizens and freemen. 

G. Although the proprietors, by the regulations which 
were in force before the constitution of Locke was adopted, 
and which v/ere restored upon its abrogation, had stipula- 
ted, that liberty of conscience should he universally 
enjoyed; yet one of them, Lord Granville, a bigoted 
churchman, and James Moore, the governor, resolved to 
effect, if possible, the establishment, in the colony, of 
the Episcopal religion. They knew that a maiority of 
the people were dissenters, and that by art and intrigue 
only, could their design be accomplished. The governor, 
who was avaricious and venal, became the tool of Gran- 
ville. He interfered in the elections, and, by bribing the 
voters, swcceeded in procuring a majority in the assembly 
who would be subservient to his wishes. 

7. A law was passed, establishing the episcopal religion, 
and excluding dissenters from a seat in the assembly. It 
was 'lid before the proprielora, without whose sanction it 
could not possess permanent validity. Archdale, who had 
returned to England, opposed it with ability and spirit. 
He insisted that good faith, policy, interest, even piety, 
concurred to dictate its rejection. But lord Granville de- 
clared himself in favor of it, and it received confirmation. 



m2 SOUTH-CAROLINA. 

8. The dissenters saw themselves al once dejfrived at' 
those privileges for w^hich they had abandoned their native 
country, and encountered the dangers and hardships of 
the ocean and a wilderness. Some prepared to leave the 
colony aud settle in Pennsylvania. Others proposed tliat 
a remonstrance against the law should first be presented 
to the house of lords, and this measure was adopted. The 
lords expressed, by a vote, their disapprobation of the law, 
and upon tltcir solicitation, queen Anne declared it void. 
Soon after, lord Granville died, and the colony, controlled 
by more liberal councils, again enjoyed tlie blessings of 
domestic quiet. 

9. In 1702, war then existing between England and 
Spain, governor Moore, thirsting for Spanish plunder, led 
an expedition against StT Augustine. It was badly planned, 
worse executed, and failed. Returning from defeat abroad, 
he met, at home, the reproaches of liis people. To silence 
these, he marched, at the head of a body of troops, against 
the Apalachian Indians, who had become insolent and 
hostile. Inihis expedition he was successful, taking many 
prisoners, and laying their towns in ashes. By his victories 
over the savages, he retrieved his character; and, by 
selling the prisoners as slaves, obtained, what he most 
coveted, considerable personal emolument. 

10. In 1706, the Spaniards, from Florida, invaded 
Carolina. The governor, Nathaniel Johnson, having re- 
ceived intimation of their approach, erected fortifications 
and made arrangements to obtain, on short warning, the 
assistance of the militia. When the enemy's fleet ap- 
peared before Charleston, the whole strength of the colony 
was summoned to defend it. A force so formidable ensured 
its safety. After burning a few detached buildings, the 
enemy retired without inflicting other injury. One of 
their ships, having ninety men on board, was captured by 
the Carolinians. 

11. In 1715, after several years of profound neace, an 
Indian war broke out. All the tribes, from Florida to cape 
Fear, had been long engaged in a conspiracy to extirpate 
the whites. In the morning of the 15th of April, the first 
blow was struck. At Pocataligo, and the settlements 
around Port Royal, ninety persons were massacred. The 
inhabitants of the latter place escaped, by embarking 
precipitately on board a vessel, which was then in the 
harbor, and sailing directly to Charleston. 

12. This massacre was perpetrated by the BCTUtheaa 



SOUTH-CAROLINA. 



-<■■>. 



Indians. The northern, at the same time, attacked the 
settlements near them. Many of the inhabitants were 
killed, and many fled to Charleston. At a plantation on 
Goose creek, eeventy whites and forty faithful negroes, 
being protected by a breast work, determined to maintain 
their post. On the first attack, their courage failed, and 
they agreed to surrender. The instant they were in the 
power of the enemy, all were barbarously murdered. 

13. Governor Craven, at the head of twelve hundred 
men, marched against the savages. He discovered in the 
wilderness several small parties, who fled before him. At 
Saltcatchers, he found them all assembled, and there an 
obstinate and bloody battle was fought. The whites weie 
victorious, driving the enemy before them, and compelling 
them to leave the province. Most of them fled to Florida, 
where they were received, in the most friendly manner, by 
the !!>paniards. 

11. In this short war, four hundred whites were killf:d. 
property of great value destroyed, and a large debt con- 
tracted. The proprietors though earnestly solicited, refused 
to afford any relief, or to pay any portion of the debt. 
The assembly determined to remunerate the colony, by 
disposing of the land from which the Indians had been 
driven. The terms offered were so favorable, that five 
hundred Irishmen immediately came over, and planted 
themselves on the frontiers. 

15. The proprietors, refusing to sanction the proceedings 
of the assembly, deprived these emigrants of their lands. 
Some, reduced to extreme proverty, perished from want, 
others resorted to the northern colonies. A strong barrier 
between the old settlements and the savages, Vv'as thus 
removed, and the country again exposed to their incur- 
sions. The people were exasperated, and longed for a 
change of masters. 

16. The corrupt and oppressive conduct of Trott, the 
chief-justice, and Rhett, the receiver-general, increased 
the discontent. Of the former, the governor and council 
complained to the proprietors, and solicited his recall. 
Instead of removing him, they tnanked him for his 
services, and removed the governor and council. With 
the governor next appointed, though a man generally 
beloved, the assc-mbly refused to have any concern or 
intercourse. They drew up articles of impeachment 
against Trott, accusing him of corruption and gross mis- 



r SOUTH-CAROLINA. 

conduct, and sent an agent to England, to maintain their 
accusation before the proprietors. He was neve-rtheless 
continued in office. 

17. The patience of the people was exhausted, and 
diey waited only for a favorable opportilnity to throw cff 
"Jieir oppressive yoke. In 1719, at a general review of 
(he militia at Charleston, occasioned by a threatened inva- 
eiion of the colony, from Florida, the officers and soldiers 
bound themselves, by a solemn compact, to support each 
other in resisting the tyranny of the proprietors ; and the 
assembly, which was then in session, requested the 
j^overnor, by a respectful address, to consent to administer 

he government in the name of the king. 

18. He refused, and by proclamation, dissolved the as- 
sembly. The members immediately met as a convention, 
and elected colonel James Moore their governor. He was 
a bold man, and exceedingly well qualified for a popular 
leader, in a turbulent season. He accepted the appoint- 
ment, and, assisted by the convention, and supported by 
the people, administered the affairs of the colony. 

19. The conduct of th/5 proprietors and people was 
l>ronght before his majesty in council. After a full hearing, 
it was decided, that both colonies should be taken under 
the protection of the crown. Several years afterwards, 
eeven of the proprietors sold to the king their claim to 
the soil and rents, and all assigned to him their right of 
jurisdiction. The government was subsequently adminis- 
tered by executive officers, appointed by the crown, and 
by assemblies, chosen by the people, and under their 
control the colony prospered. 

20. In 1738, occurred an alarming insurrection of the 
Dogroes. A number of them assembled at Stono, surprised 
and killed two men who had charge of a ware-hous.*^, from 
which they took guns and ammunition. They then chose 
ft captain, and, with drums beating and colors flying, 
uarched southwestward. They burned every house on 
their way, killed all the whites they could find, and com- 
pelled other negroes to join them. 

, 21. Governor Bull, who was returning to Charleston, 
from the southward, accidentally met them, hastened out 
nf their way, and spread an alarm. The news soon reached 
Wiltown, whert, fortunately, a large congregation were 
attendinp^ divine service. The men having, according to 
a law of the province, brought their arms to the place 



(a:oK<:;iA. 105 

cf worship, marched instantly in quest of the nf»prf>es, 
who, by this time, had become formidable, and spread 
terror and desolation around them. 

22. While, in an open field, they were carousing and 
dancing, with frantic exultation at their late success, the/ 
were suddenly attacked by the whites. Some were 
killed, the remainder fled. Most of the fugitives were 
taken and tried. They who had been compelled to join 
the conspirators, were pardoned ; but all the leaders and 
first insurgents sufiiered death. About twenty whites 
were murdered. 

23. From this period until the era of the revolution, no 
important event occurred in the colony. It was sometimes 
distressed by Indian wars; but the number of inhabitants 
and the means of subsistence and comfort, were constantly 
increasing. En.igrants came principally from the northern 
colonies; but olten large bodies of protestants arrived 
from Europe ; in one year, 1752, the number who came 
exceeded sixteen hundred. 



CHAPTER XTII. 
GEORGIA. 

Upon the southern part of the territory included in the 
Carolina charter, no settlement was made, until severtil 
years after that charter was forfeited. In June, 1732, 
several benevolent j;entlemen, in England, concerted a 
project for planting a colony in that unoccupied rf^gion- 
riieir principal object \/as to relieve, by tran?:porting 
thither, the indigent subjects of Great Bntain ; but their 
plan of benevolence embraced also the persecuted protes- 
tants of all nations. 

2. To a project springing from motives so nol)le and 
disinterested, the peopb and the government extended 
their encouragement and patronage. A patent w^as granted 
by the king, conveying to twr.nty-one trustees the tr-rriiory 
now constituting the state of Georgia, which was to be 
apportioned gratuitovisly among the settlers; and liberal 
donations were made by the charitable, to defray tb?- 
expense of transp<>rting them across the Atlantic, and of 
providing for their support the first season. 

3. The concerns of tiie colony were managed by the 



10« GEORGIA. 

trustees, v,ho freely devoted much of their time to the 
viLiJerlakiag. Among other regulations, they provided, 
thit ih<? lauds should not be sold nor devised by the own- 
ers, hut siioiild descend to the male children only; they 
torsade the use of rum in the colony; and strictly prohi- 
bited the iuiportation of negroes. But none of these re- 
galationa remained long in force. 

4. la November, 1732, one hundred and thirteen emi- 
gr;>ats embarked for Georgia, at the head of vv^hom the 
trustees had placed James Oglethorpe, a zealous and ac- 
tive proinoter of this scheme of benevolence. In Janu- 
ary, they arrived at Charleston ; and the Carolinians, 
sensible of the advantage of having a barrier between 
them and the Indians, gave the adventurers a cordial wel- 
come. They supplied them with provisions, and with 
boats to convey them to the place of their destination. 
Yamacraw bluff, since called Savannah, was selected as 
the most eligible place for a settlement. 

5. The next year, five or six hundred poor persons ar- 
rived, and to each a portion of the wilderness was as- 
signed. But it was soon found that these emigrants, 
wtio were the refuse of cities, had been rendered poor by 
idleness, and irresolute by povert}"^, were not fitted to fell 
the mighty groves of Georgia. A race more hardy and 
efiterpnsing, was necessary. The trustees, therefore, of- 
fered to receive, also, such as had not, by persecution or 
poverty, been rendered objects of compassion, and to grant 
to all, who should settle in the colony, fifty acres of land, 
lu consequence of this offer, more than four hundred per- 
i^ons, from Germany, Scotland, and Switzerland, arrived 
in the year 1735. The Germans settled at Ebenezer, 
the Scotch at New-Inverness, now Darien. 

6. In 1736, John Wesley, a celebrated methodist, made 
a visit to Georgia, for the purpose of preaching to the co- 
lonists, and converting the Indians. He was then young 
a.nd ardent, the people around him felt less ardor than 
himself, and his pious zeal soon brought him into colli- 
sion with some of the principal settlers. He was accus- 
ed of diverting the people from their labor to attend his 
religious meetings, and of exercising unwarranted eccle- 
siastical authority. Persecuted by his enemies, and find- 
ing he could render no further service to the cause of re- 
ligion in the colony, he returned to England, and there, 
for many years, pursued a distinguished career of pietj 
and Q'^f^fulness. 

7. Two years afterwards, George Whitfield, another 



and more celebrated Methodist, arrived in fhe^ colony. 
He had already made himself conspicuous in England, by 
his numerous eccentricities, his ardent piety, his extraor- 
dinary eloquence, his zeal and activity in propagatin-^ his 
opinions. He came to Georgia for the benevolent purpose 
ot" establishing an orphan house, where poor children rniuht 
be fed, clothed, and educated iu the knowledge of clirJs- 
tirmity. In prosecution of this purpose, he often crossed 
the Atlantic, and traversed Great Britain and America, 
soliciting aid from the pious and charitable. Wherever 
he went, he preached, with sincerity and fervor, his peculiar 
doctrines, making proselytes of most who heard him, and 
founding a sect whieli has since become numerous and 
respectable. His orphan house, during his lire, did not 
flourish, and after his death, was entirely abandoned. 

8. In 1740, the trustees rendered an account of their 
administration. At that time, two thousand four hundred 
and ninety-eight emigrants had arrived in the colony. Of 
these, fifteen hundred and twenty-one were indigent Eng« 
lishmen, or persecuted Protestants. The benefactions, 
from government and from individuals, had been near!/ 
half a million of dollars ; and it was computed that, tor 
every person transported and maintained by the trustees, 
more than three hundred dollars had been expended. 

9. The hope which the trustees had cherished, that tha 
colony, planted at such vast expense, would be prosperous, 
and the objects of their benevolence happy, were com- 
pletely disappointed. Such was the character of the 
greater part of the settlers, and such the restrictions 
imposed, that the plantations languished and continued to 
require the contributions of the charitable. 

10. War having been declared againsc Spain, Mr. Ogle- 
thorpe was promoted to the rank of general in the British 
army, and at the head of two thousand men, partly from 
Virginia and the Carolinas, undertook an expedition against 
Florida. He took two Spanish forts and besieged St. 
Augustine ; but encountering an obstinate resistance, was 
compelled to return unsuccessful to Georgia. 

11. Two years afterwards the Spaniards, in retaliation, 
prepared to invade Georgia; andthey intended, if success- 
ful there, to subjugate the Carolinas and Virginia. On 
receiving infornjation of their approach, general Oglethorpe 
solicited assistance from South-Carolina. But the inhab- 
itants of that colony, entertaining a strong prejudice a^-ainFt 
him, in consequence of his late defeat, and terriiied By th« 



108 GEORGIA. 

danger which threatened themselves, determined to pro- 
vide only for their own safety. 

12. Meanwhile general Oglethorpe made preparations 
for a vigcrrous defence. He assembled seven hundred 
men exchisive of a body Indians, fixed his head quarters 
at Frederica, on the island of St. Shnon, anJ with this 
sniall band, determined to encounter whatever force might 
be brought against him. It was his utmost hope that he 
might be able to resist the enemy until a reinforcemeht 
sluruld arrive from Carolina, which he daily and anxiously 
expected. 

13. On the last of June, the Spanish fleet, consisting of 
thirty-two sail, and having on board more than three 
thousand men, came to anchor off St. Simon's bar. Not- 
withstanding all the resistance which general Oglethorpe 
could oppose, they sailed up the river Alatamaha, landed 
apon the island, and there erected fortifications. 

14. General Oglethorpe, convinced that his small force, 
if divided, must be entirely inefiicieni, assembled the 
whole of it at Frederica. One portion he employed in 
strengthening his fortifications ; the Highlanders and 
Indians, ranging night and day through the woods, often 
attacked th^ out-posts of the enemy. The toil of the 
troops was incessant ; aad the long delay of the expected 
succors, so cruelly withheld by South-Carolina, caused 
the most gloomy and depressing apprehensions. 

15. Learning that the Spanish army occupied two 
distinct positions, Oglethorpe conceived the project of 
attacking one by surprise. He selected the bravest of his 
little army, and in the night marched, entirely unobserved, 
to within two miles of the camp which he intended to assail. 
Directing his troops to halt, he advanced, at the head of a 
small body, to reconnoitre the enemy. While thus em- 
ployed, a French soldier of his party, firing his m_usket, 
deserted to the Spaniards. Discovery destroying all hope 
of success, the general immediately returned to Frederica^ 
He was not only chagrined at this occurrence, but appre- 
hended instant danger from the disclosure which the 
deserter would doubtless make of his weakness. 

16. In this embarrassment, he devised an expedient 
wljich was attended with the most liappy success. He 
wrote a letter to the deserter, instructing him to acquaint 
the Spaniards with the defenceless state of Frederica; to 
urge them to attack the place, and if he could not succeed, 
tt) persuade them to remain three days longeron the island; 



GEORGIA- 109 

for within that time, according to late advices fVom Caro- 
lina, he should receive a reinforcement of two thousand 
jtien and six shi)is of war. He cautioned him against 
dropping any liint of the attack meditated, hy admiral 
"N'ernon, upon St. Augustine, and assured him that the 
reward for his services should be ample. 

17. For a small bribe, a soldier who had been made 
prisoner in one of the numerous skirmishes, engaged to 
deliver this letter to the deserter, and was then set at 
liberty. As was foreseen, he carried it directly to the 
Sj^anish general, who immediately suspected the deserter 
to be a spy from the English camp, and ordered him to 
})« put in irons. But although his suspicions were awa- 
kened, he was yet uncertain whether the whole might not 
be a stratagem of his antagonist. 

18. While hesitating what to believe, three small vessels 
of war ajipeared off the coast. Supposing they brought 
the reinforcements alluded to in the letter to the deserter, 
he hesitated no longer, but determined to make a vigorous 
attack upon the English, before these reinforcements 
could arrive and be brought into action. 

10. General Oglethorpe, by mere accident, obtained 
information of their design. A small party was instantly 
placed in ambuscade, the Spaniards advanced near them, 
halted to rest, and laid aside their arms. A sudden and 
well directed fire, killing many, threw the enemy into 
confusion. After a few more discharges, they fled to their 
fortifications, which they demolished, and, hastily em- 
barking, made every possible effort to escape from the 
reinforcements that were supposed to be approaching. 

20. Thus was Georgia, with trifling loss, delivered from 
the most imminent danger. General Oglethorpe not only 
retrieved, but exalted his reputation. From the Carolini- 
ans, grateful for their preservtition, and from the governors 
of most of the northern colonies, he received cordial con- 
gratulations upon his address and good fortune. And so 
mortified were the Spaniards at the result of the expedition, 
that the commander, on his return, was arrested, tried, and 
cashiered for misconduct. 

21. But the prosperity of the colony was retarded by 
these disturbances. For ten years longer, it remained 
under the manag(;ment of the trustees, who, embarrassing 
it by too much regulation, discouraged the emigrants and 
checked its growth. At length, digappointed in their 
hones, and wearieil by complaints, they surrendered their 

K 



110 FRENCH WAR OF 1754—63. [1754. 

charter to the crown ; and, in 1754, a royal government 
was established over the colony. 

22. New regulations being adopted, Georgia began to 
flourish. Among her governors, James Wrignt deserves 
honorable notice for his wisdom in discerning, and his 
^eal in pursuing, her true interests. The cultivation of 
rice and indigo was prosecuted with augmented industry, 
skill, and profit ; and in every succeeding year, an increased 
amount of these staple commodities was exported to the 
mother country. The Florida Indians were sometimes 
troublesome, but were as often chastised and compelled 
to sue for peace. 



CHxiPTER XIV. 
FRENCH WAR OF 1754-68. 

The treaty of Aix la Chapelle concluded inl748, between 
England and France, restored tranquillity to America. At 
this period, the number of inhabitants in the thirteen 
colonies was about one million one hundred thousand. 
The English settlements had not advanced far into the 
wilderness, but extended along the ocean from New- 
foundland to Florida. Those of the French, at the north, 
reached from the mouth of the St. Lawrence to Montreal ; 
and they had built forts and trading houses on lake On- 
tario. At the south, they had planted New-Orleans, and 
having discovered tlie fiver Mississippi, they claimed the 
fertile and delightful valley through which it runs, and 
the whole country watered by its tributary streams. 

2. They at length determined to connect their northern 
and southern settlements by a chain of posts extending 
along the frontiers of the English, from Lake Ontario to 
the Ohio, and down that river and the Mississippi to New- 
Orleans. While they were intent on this project, a com- 
pany of English traders, having obtained from the king a 
grant of land, established trading houses on the banks of 
the Ohio. 

3. The French seized some of these traders and con- 
veyed them prisoners to Canada. Th« company complained 
to governor Diawiddie, of Virginia. The land having been 
gramtt^ as a part of that colony, he determined to send a 
messf user to the commander of the French forces on the 



1754.] FRENCH WAR OF 1754—63. Ill 

Ohio, and require him to withdraw his troops. For this 
mission he selected George Washington, who was then 
twenty-one years of age, and who afterwards became 
iJ?ustrious in the annals of his country. 

4. To the letter of Dinwiddle, the French commander 
replied, that he had taken possession of the country m 
pursuance of directions from his general, then in Canada, 
to whom h'^ 'vould transmit the letter, and whose orders 
he should iroitiicitly obey. This reply not being satisfactory 
to the governor, preparations were made in Virginia, to 
maintain by force the rights of the British crown. Troops, 
constituting a regiment, were raised, the command of 
whom, on the death of the colonel first appointed, was 
given to Mr. Washington. 

5. At the head of about four hundred men, he advanced, 
early in the spring, into the territory in dispute. On his 
route, he met, attacked, and defeated, a French party 
under the conunand of one Dijonville, who approached liim 
in a manner indicating hostile intentions. He proceeded 
towards fort Du Quesne, situated at the junction of the 
Alleghany and Monongahela. From this fort, De Villier, 
at the head of nine hundred men, marched out to attack him. 

6. Hearing of the approach of this party, colonel 
AVashington halted, and hastily erected some imperfect 
works, by means of which he hoped to prolong his defence 
until the arrival of reinforcements. He was closely 
besieged by De Villier, but making an obstinate defence, 
was offered the most honorable terms of capitulation. 
These he accepted, and returned with his regiment to 
Virginia. 

7. In this year, delegates from seven of the colonies 
met at Albany, for the purpose of holding a conference 
with the Six Nations of Indians. This business being 
finished, a confederation of the colonies was proposed bv 
the delegates from Massachusetts. A " Plan of Union'' 
was agreed upon, to be submitted to the colonial legisla- 
tures, and to parliament, for their adoption. 

8. This plan provided that delegates to a General 
Council should be chosen by the representatives of the 
people, in the colonial assemblies, and that a president- 
general should be appointed by the crown. This council 
was to possess the control of the military force of the 
confederacy, and the power to concert all measures for the 
common protection and safety. The president-general was 
to have a negative upon the proceedings of the delegates. 



113 FRENCH WAR OF 1754—63. [1753. 

9. This plan was rejected by parliament, because tha 
delegates were to be chosen by the representatives of the 
people. It was rejected by the colonies, because it placed 
too much power in the hands of the king. In England, 
apprehensions were already entertained of the growing 
importance of the colonial assemblies. In America, tha 
people began, perhaps unconsciously, to be actuated by 
the spirit of independence. 

10. The conduct of the French, on the Ohio, convinced 
the cabinet of London that their claim to the country, 
through which that river flows, must be relinquished, or 
maintained by the sword. They did not hesitate which 
alternative to choose. Early in the spring of 1755, thej 
despatched general Braddock to America, with a respecta- 
ble force, to expel the French, and keep possession of tli6 
territory. And preparations having been ntade by France 
to despatch a reinforcement to her armies in Canada^ 
admiral Boscawen was ordered to endeavour to intercept 
the French fleet before it should enter the gulf of St. 
Lawrence. 

11. In April, general Braddock met the governors of 
the several provinces, to confer upon the plan of the 
ensuing campaign. Three expeditions were resolved upon ; 
one against Du Quesne, to be commanded by general 
Braddock ; one against forts Niagara and Frontinac, to be 
commanded by governor Shirley ; and one against Crown 
Point, to be commanded by general Johnson. The lasl 
mentioned post was the nearest to New-England of anj 
in the possession of the enemy ; and from it almost all the 
Indian parties, which had, in the late wars, so cruelly 
harassed the northern colonies, were despatched and sup- 
ported. The expedition against it was proposed and urged 
by Massachusetts, and was to be executed by colonial 
troops, raised in New-England and New- York. 

12. While preparations were making for these expedi- 
tions, another, which had been previously concerted, was 
carried en against the French forces in Nova Scotia. 
This province was settled by the French, but was ceded 
to the English by the treaty of Utrecht. Its boundaries 
not having been defined, the French continued to occupy 
a portion of the territory claimed by the English, and had 
built forts for their defence. To gain possession of these . 
was the object' of the expedition. 

13. About two thousand militia, commanded by colonel 
Winsbw, embarked at Bostoin; and being joined on tiieir 



1755.] FRENCH WAR OF 1754—63. lU 

passage by three hundred regulars, arrived, in April, at 
the place of destination. The forts were invested; the 
resistance made was trifling and ineffectual ; and in a short 
time the English gained entire possession of the province, 
according to their own definition of its boundaries. Three 
only of their men were killed. 

14. The preparations of general Braddock, in Virginia, 
had proceeded slowly. It had been found extremely dif- 
ficult to procure horses, wagons, and provisions. Impa- 
tient of delay, he determined to set out with twelve 
hundred men, selected from the different corps, and to 
proceed, as rapidly as possible, towards fort Du Quesne. 
The residue of the army, and the heavy baggage, were left 
under the conunand of colonel Dunbar, who v/as directed 
to follow as soon as the preparations were completed. 

15. Braddock had been educated in the English army; 
and in the science of war, as then taught in Europe, he 
desferved and enjoyed the reputation of more than ordinary 
skill. Of this reputation he was vain, and disdained to 
consider that his skill was totally inapplicable to the mode 
of warfare practised in the forests of America. Before he 
left England, he was repeatedly admonished to beware of 
a surprise ; and on his march through the wilderness, the 
provincial officers frequently entreated him to scour the sur- 
rounding thickets. But he held these officers and the ene- 
my in too much contempt to listen to this salutary counsel. 

16. On approaching fort Du Quesne, colonel Washing- 
ton, who accompanied him as his aid, made a last attempt 
to induce him to change his order of march. He explained 
the Indian mode of warfare; represented his danger; arxl 
offered to take command of the provincials and place him- 
self in advance of the army. This offer was declined. 
The general proceeded, confident of the propriety of his 
conduct ; the provincials followed, trembling for the con- 
sequences. 

17. On the ninth of July, the army crossed the Monon- 
gahela, within a few miles of Du Quesne. Their route 
fed through a d*file, which they had nearly passed, when 
a tremendous yell and instantaneous discharge of fire arms 
suddenly burst upon them from an invisible foe. The van 
was thrown into confusion. The general led the main 
body to its support. For a moment, order was restored, 
and a short cessation of the enemy's fire, occasioned by 
the death of their oommander, seemed to indicate that all 
danger vra.a over. 

K 2 



114 FRENCH WAR OF 1754—63. [1755. 

18. But the attack was soon renewed with increased 
fury. Concealed behind trees, logs, and rocks, the Indians 
poured upon the troops a deadly and incessant fire. Officers 
and men fell thickly around, and the survivers knew not 
where to direct their aim to revenge their slaughtered 
comrades. The whole body was again thrown into con- 
fusion. The general, obstinate and courageous, refused 
to retreat, but bent his whole efforts to restore and main- 
tain order. He persisted in these efforts, until five horses 
had been shot under him, and every one of his officers on 
horseback, except colonel Washington, was either killed 
or wounded. 

19. The general at length fell, and the rout became 
universal. The troops fled precipitately until they met 
the division under Dunbar, then sixty miles in the rear. 
To this body the same panic was communicated. Turn- 
ing about, they fled with the rest, and although no enemy 
had been seen during the engagement, nor afterwards, yet 
the army continued retreating until it reached fort Cmn- 
berland, one hundred and twenty miles from the place of 
action. There they remained but a short time. With 
the remnant of the army, amounting to fifteen hundred 
men, colonel Dunbar, upon whom, on the death of Brad- 
dock, the command devolved, marched to Philadelphia, 
leaving the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia destitute 
of defence. 

20. The provincial troops, whom Braddock had so much 
despised, displayed, during the battle, the utmost calmness 
and courage. Though placed in the rear, they alone, led 
on by Washington, advanced against the Indians and 
covered the retreat. Had they been permitted to fight in 
their own way, they could easily have defeated the enemy. 
In this battle, sixty-four, out of eighty-five officers, were 
either killed or wounded, and at least one half of the 
privates. 

21. The two northern expeditions, though not so disas- 
trous, were both unsuccessful. General Shirley, who had 
been appointed to command that against Niagara, met with 
so many delays that he did not reach Oswego until late in 
August. While embarking there to proceed against 
Niagara, the autumnal rains began, his troops became 
discouraged, his Indian allies deserted him, and he was 
compelled to relinquish his design. 

23. The forces destined to attack Crown Point, and the 
requisite military stores, could not be collected at Albany 



1755.] FRENCH WAR OF 1754—63. 115 

until the last of August. Thence the army, under the 
command of general Johnson, proceeded to the south end 
of Lake George, on their way to the place of destination. 
There he learned, that the armament, fitted out in the 
p<i ts of France, eluding the English squadron, had arrived 
at Quebec, and that baron Dieskau, commander of the 
French forces, was advancing with an army towar'^.s the 
territories of the English. He halted, erected slight breast- 
works, and detached colonel Williams with a thousand 
men, to impede the progress of the enemy. 

23. Dieskau, who was near, was immediately informed 
of the approach of this detaclunent. Without losing a 
moment, he directed his troops to conceal themselves. 
The English advanced into the midst of their enemy, and, 
from every quarter, received, at the same moment, a sudden 
and unexpected fire. Their leader fell, and the men fled, 
in disorder, to the camp. 

24. They were followed closely by the enemy, who 
approached within one hundred and fifty yards of the 
breastwork : and, had they made an immediate assault, 
would probably, such was the panic of the English, have 
been successful. But here they halted, to make disposi- 
tions for a regular attack. The Indians and Canadians 
were despatched to the flanks, and the regular troops 
began the attack with firing, by platoons, at the centre, 
Tlieir fire was ineffectual, and the provincials gradually 
resumed their courage. 

25. A few discharges of the artillery drove the Cana- 
dians and Indians to the swamps. The regulars, although 
deserted by the auxiliaries, maintained the conflict for 
more than an hour, with much steadiness and resolution. 
Dieskau, convinced that all his efforts must be unavailing, 
then gave orders to retreat. This produced some con- 
fusion, which, being perceived by the provincials, they 
simultaneously, and without orders or concert, leaped over 
the intrenchments, fell upon the French soldiers, and 
killed, captured, or dispersed them. The baron was 
wounded and made prisoner. 

26. The next day, colonel Blanchard, who commanded 
at fort Edward, despatched captain Folsom, of New- 
Hampshire, with two hundred men, to the assistance of 
general Johnson. On hi^Svay, he discovered between 
three and four hundred of the enemy seated around a pond, 
not far from the place where colonel WiUiaios had been 
defeated. Notwithstanding his inferiority in numbers, he 



116 FRENCH WAR OF 1751-~6a. [1756. 

determined to attack them. So impetuous was the onset, 
that, after a sharp conflict, the enemy fled. In the several 
engagements, the provincials lost about two hundred men ; 
the enemy upwards of seven hundred. 

27. General Johnson, though strongly importuned by the 
government of Massachusetts, refused to proceed upon his 
expedition, which was abandoned, and most of his troops 
returned to their respective colonies. Thus ended the 
campaign of 1755. It opened with the brightest prospects, 
immense preparations had been made, yet not one of tlte 
objects of the three great expeditions had been attained. 

26. During the fall and winter, the southern colonies 
were ravag-^id, and the usual barbarities perpetrated upon 
the frontier inhabitants, by the savages, who, on the defeat 
of Braddock, and the retreat of his army, saw nothing to 
restrain their fury. In Virginia and Pennsylvania, dis- 
putes existed between the governors and legislatures, 
which prevented all attention to the means of defence. 
Scarcely a post was maintained, or a soldier employed in 
their service. 

29. The colorries, far from being discouraged by the 
misfortunes of the last campaign, determined to renew and 
increase their exertions. General Shirley, to whom the 
superintendence of all the military operations had been 
confided, assembled a council of war at New- York, to 
concert a plan for the ensuing year. He proposed that 
expeditions should be carried on against Du Quesne, 
Niagara, and Crown Point, and that a body of troops 
should be sent, by the way of the rivers Kennebec and 
Chaudieie, to alarm the French for the safety of Quebec. 
This plan was unanimously adopted by the council. 

30. Shirley, on the last of January, returned to Boston, 
to meet the assembly of Massachusetts, of which colony 
he Avas governor. He endeavored to persuade them to 
concur in the measui'es proposed ; but, disgusted witit the 
proceedings of the last campaign, and especially at general 
Johnson's neglecting to pursue his advantages, they were 
unwilling to engage in offensive operations, unless the 
command of their forces should be given to general Win- 
slow, Avho had acquired popularity by his success in Nova 
Scotia. Their wishes weo^ complied with, and their 
concurrence was then granteo. 

31. In April, nev/s arrived from Great Britain, that the 
conduct of general Johnson, instead of being censured, 
was considered highly meritorrcas ; that, as a reward ft^ 



1756.] FRENCH WAR OF 1754—63. 117 

Ids success, the kinj^ had conferred upon him the title of 
baronet, and parliament a grant of five thousand pounds 
sterling; that his majesty disapproved of the conduct of 
Shirley, and had determined to remove him from command. 

3-J. Tills information not being official, general Shirley 
contuiued Ids preparations with his usual activity and zeal. 
While engaged in collecting, at Albany, the troops from 
( he different colonies, general Webb brought from England 
tiflicial information of Ids removal. On the 25th of June, 
Ijeneral Abercrombie arrived, and took command of tlie 
army. It now consisted of about twelve thousand men, 
}ind was more numerous and better prepared for the field 
t han any army that had ever been assembled in America. 

33. Singular as it may appear, while this sanguinary 
war raged in America, tho intercourse betw'een the two 
iiations in Europe, not only continued uninterrupted, but 
seemed more than usually friendly. This unnatural state 
of things could not long continue. Great Britain declared 
Avar in May, and France in June. 

3-1. The change of commanders delayed the operations 
of the English army. The French were active; and on 
the 12th of July, general Abercrombie received intelligence 
that they meditated an attack upon Oswego, a post of the 
utmost importance. General Webb was ordered to pre- 

Itare to march wath a regim.ent for the defence of that place, 
n the mean tune, lord Loudon, who had been appointed 
commander-in-chief over all the British forces in the 
colonies, arrived in America. 

35. Amidst the ceremonies which followed, the affairs 
iif the war were forgotten. General Webb did not begin 
his march until the 12th of August. Before he had pro- 
ceeded far, he learned that Oswego was actually besieged 
by a large army of French and Indians. Alarmed for his 
tiwa safety, he proceeded no farther, but employed his 
Jroops in erecting fortifications for their defence. 

36. General Montcalm, the commander of the French 
troops in Canada, began the siege of Oswego on the 12th 
of August. On the 14th, the English commander having 
been killed, terms of surrender were proposed by the gar- 
rison, and were agreed to. These terms were shamefully 
violated. Several of the British officers and soldiers were 
insulted, robbed, and massacred by the Indians. Most of 
the sick were scalped in the hospitals, and the French 
general delivered twenty of the garrison to the savages, 
tiiat l)eing the number they had lost during the siege. 



118 FRENCH WAR OF 1754—63. [1757 

Those unhappy wretches were, doubtless, according to 
the Indian custom, tortured and burnt. 

37. General Webb was permitted to retreat, unmolested, 
to Albany. Lord Loudon pretended it was now too late 
in the season to attempt any thing farther, though the 
troops under general Winslow were within a few days 
march of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and were suffi- 
cient in number to justify an attack upon those places. 
He devoted the remainder of the season to making pre- 
parations for an early and vigorous campaign the ensuing 
year. 

38. This spring had opened with still more brilliant 
prospects than the last; and the season closed without 
the occurrence of a single event that was honorable to 
the British arms, or advantageous to the colonies. Tliis 
want of success was justly attributed to the removal of 
the provincial officers, who were well acquainted with the 
theatre of operations, but whom the ministry, desirous 
of checking the growth of talents in the colonies, were 
unwilling to employ. Yet the several assemblies, though 
they saw themselves thus slighted, and their money 
annually squandered, made all the preparations that were 
required of them for the next campaigUi 

39. The reduction of Louisburgh was the object to 
which the ministry directed the attention of lord Loudon. 
In the spring of 1757, he sailed from New- York, with 
6000 men, and, at Halifax, met admiral Holbourn, with 
transports containing an equal number of troops, and a 
naval force consisting of fifteen ships of the line. W^hen 
about to proceed to their place of destination, intelligence 
arrived that the garrison at Louisburgh had received a 
large reinforcement, and expected and desired a visit from 
the English. Disheartened by this intelligence, the gen- 
eral and admiral abandoned the expedition. 

40. While the English comnrianders were thus irreso- 
lute and idle, tiie French were enterprising and active. 
In March, general Montcalm made an attempt to surprise 
fort William Henry, at the south end of Lake George, 
but was defeated by the vigilance and bravery of the 
garrison. He returned to Crown Point, leaving a party 
of troops at Ticonderoga. Against this post, near four 
hundred men were sent from the fort, under the command 
of colonel Parker. 

41. The colonel was deceived in his intelligence, de^ 
coyed into an ambuscade, and attacked with such fury, 



1767.] FRENCH WAR OF 1754—63, 119 

that but two officers and seventy privates escaped. En- 
couraged by this success, Montcalm determined to return 
and besiege fort William Henry. For this purpose, he 
assembled an army consisting of regular troops, Canadians 
and Indians, and amounting to near ten thousand men. 

42. Major Putnam, a brave and active partizan, obtained 
information of the purposes of Montcalm, which he com- 
niunicated to general Webb, who, in the absence of lord 
Loudon, commanded the British troops in that quarter. 
The general enjoined silence upon Putnam, and adopted 
no other measure, on receiving the intelligence, than 
sending colonel Monro to take command of the fort. 

43. The day after this officer, ignorant of what was 
to happen, had arrived at his post, the lake appeared 
covered with boats, which swiftly approached the shore. 
Montcalm, with but little opposition, effected a landing, 
and immediately began the siege. The garrison, consisting 
of two thousand five hundred men, animated by the ex- 
pectation of relief, made a gallant defence. 

44. General Webb had an army at fort Edward, of 
more than four thousand men, and it was in his power to 
call in a large number of provincial troops from New- 
York and New-England. To him colonel Monro sent 
repeated and pressing solicitations for immediate succor. 
These he disregarded, seeming entirely indifferent to the 
distressing situation of his fellow soldiers. 

45. At length, on the ninth day of the siege, in com- 
pliance with the entreaties of the friends of Monro, 
general Webb despatched Sir William Johnson, with a 
body of men, to his relief. They had not proceeded 
three miles, when the order was countermanded. Webb 
then wrote to Monro that he could afford him no assis- 
tance, and advised him to surrender on the best terms 
that he could obtain. 

46. Tills letter was intercepted by Montcalm, who, in 
a conference which he procured, handed it himself to the 
commander of the fort. All hope of relief being ex- 
tinguished, articles of capitulation were agreed to. In 
these it was expressly stipulated by Montcalm, that the 
prisoners should be protected from the savages, by a guard, 
and that the sick and wounded should be treated with 
humanity. 

47. But the next morning, a great number of Indians, 
having been permitted to enter the lines, began to j)lunder. 
Meeting with no opposition, they fell upon the sick and 



120 FRENCH WAR OF 1754—63 [1758. 

wounded, whom they immediately massacred. This ex- 
cited their appetite for carnage. The defenceless troops 
were surrounded and attacked with fiend-like fury. Monro, 
hiistening to Montcalm, implored him to provide tho 
stipulated guard. 

48. His entreaties were ineffectual, and the massacre 
proceeded. All was turbulence and horror. On every 
side, savages were butchering and scalping their wretcheu 
victims. Their hideous yells, the groans of the dying, 
and the frantic shrieks of others, shrinking from the 
uplifted tomahav/k, were heard by the French unmoved. 
The fury of the savages were permitted to rage without 
restraint, until a large nmnber were killed, or hurried 
captives into the wilderness. 

49. The day after this awful tragedy, major Putnam 
was sent, with his rangers, to watch the motions of the 
enemy. When he came to the shore of the lake, their 
rear was hardly beyond the reach of musket shot. The 
prospect was shocking and horrid. The fort was demo- 
lished. The barracks and buildings were yet burning. 
Innumerable fragments of hu.man carcases still broiled in 
the decaying fires. Dead bodies, mangled with tomahawks 
and scalping knives, in ail the wantonness of Indian bar- 
barity, were every where scattered around. 

50. General Webb, apprehensive* of an attack upon 
himself, sent expresses to the provinces for reinforce- 
ments. They were raised and despatched with expedition ; 
but as Montcalm returned to Ticonderoga, they were kept 
in service but a few weeks. And thus ended the third 
campaign in America. 

51. These continual disasters resulted from folly and 
mismanagement, rather than from want of means and 
military strength. The British nation was alarmed and 
indignant, and the king found it necessary to change his 
councils. At the head of the new ministry, he placed 
the qelehrated William Pitt, who rose, by the force of 
his talents alone, from the humble post of ensign in the 
guards, to the coiitrol of the destinies of a mighty empire. 
Public confidence revived, and the nation seemed inspired 
with nev/ life and vigor. 

52. For the next campaign, the ministry determined 
upon three expeditions; one of twelve thousand men 
against Louisbargh ; one of sixteen thousand against 
Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and one of eight thousand 
against fort Du Quesue. The colonies were called upon 



1759.] FRENCH WAR OF 1754—65. 1^ 

surmount, that he was unable to present himself befors 
that place until late in July. It was immediately aban- 
doned by the enemy. The British general, after re^jairing 
the works, proceeded against Crown Point. On his 
approach, this was also deserted, the enemy retiring to the 
Isle aux Noix. To gain possession of this post, great 
efforts were made, and much time consumed ; but a suc- 
cession of storms on Lake Champlain, prevented success. 
General Amherst was compelled to lead back his army to 
Crown Point, where he encamped for the winter. 

6'2. The expedition against Quebec, was the most daring 
and important. That place, strong by nature, had been 
made still stronger by art, and had received the appropriate 
appellation of the Gibraltar of America. Every expedition 
against it had failed. It was now commanded by Mont- 
calm, an officer of distinguished reputation ; and an attempt 
to reduce it must have seemed chimerical to any one but 
Pitt. He judged, rightly, that the boldest and most dan- 
gerous enterprises ar^ often the most successful. They 
arouse the energies of man, and elevate them to a level 
with the dangers and difficulties to be encountered, espe- 
cially when committed to ardent minds, glowing with 
enthusiasm, and emulous of glory. 

63. Such a mind he had discovered hi general Wolfe, 
whose conduct at Louisburgh had attracted his attention. 
He appointed him to conduct the expedition, and gave him 
for assistants, brigadier generals Moncton, Townshend, 
and Murray ; all, like himself, young and ardent. Early 
in the season, he sailed from Halifax, with eight thousand 
troops, and, near the last of June, landed the whole army 
on the island of Orleans, a few miles below Quebec. 

64. From this position he could take a near and distinct 
view of the obstacles to be overcome. These were so 
great, that even the bold and sanguine Wolfe perceived 
more to fear than to hope. In a letter to Mr. Pitt, written 
before commencing operations, he declared that he saw 
but little prospect of reducing the place. 

65. Quebec stands on the north side of the St. Lawrence, 
and consists of an upper and lowertown. The lower .own 
lies betv/een the rivet and a bold and lofty eminence, 
which runs parallel to it, far to the westward. At the top 
of this eminence is a plain, upon which the upper town is 
situated. Below, or east of tlie city, is tlie river St. 
Charles, wbose channel is rough, and whose banks are 
steep and broken, A short distance farther down, is the 



134 FREiNCH WAR OF 1754—63. [1759* 

river Montmorency ; and between these two rivers, and 
reaching from one to the other, was encamped the French 
army, strongly entrenched and at least equal in number to 
that of the English. 

66. General Wolfe took possession of Point Levi, on 
the bank of the river opposite Quebec, and from that posi- 
tion cannonaded the town. Some injury was done to the 
houses, but his cannon were too distant to make any 
impression upon the works of the enemy. He resolved to 
quit this post, to land below Montmorency, and passing that 
river, to attack the French general in his entrenchments. 

67. He succeeded in landing his troops, and, with a 
portion of his army, crossed the Montmorency. A partial 
engagement took place, in which the French obtained the 
advantage. Relinquishing this plan, he then determined, 
in concert v,' ith the admiral, to destroy the French shipping 
and magazines. Two attempts \V/ere unsuccessful; a third 
was more fortunate, yet but little was effected. At this 
juncture, intelligence arrived that Niagara was taken, that 
Ticonderoga and Crown Point had been abandoned, but 
that general Amherst, instead of pressing forward to their 
assistance, was preparing to attack the Isle aux Noix. 

68. Wolfe rejoiced at the triumph of his brethren in 
arms, but could not avoid contrasting their success with 
his own ill fortune. His mind, alike lofty and susceptible, 
was deeply impressed by the disasters at Montmorency ; 
and the extreme chagrin of his spirits, preying upon his 
delicate frame, sensibly affected his health. He was 
observed frequently to sigh ; and, as if life was only valu- 
able while it added to his glory, he declared to his intimate 
friends, that he would not survive the disgrace which he 
imagined would attend the failure of his enterprise. 

69. Despairing of success below the town, he next 
directed his efforts towards effecting a landing above it. 
He removed a part of his army to Point Levi, and the 
remainder higher up the river. He now found that, on 
this quarter, the fortifications were not strong; and 
discovered that the heights behind them might possibly 
be gained, by ascending the precipice in a narrow path, 
which was defended only by a captain's guard. 

70. The difficulties attending this enterprise were nume- 
rous. The current was rapid, the shore shelving, the only 
landing place so narrow that it might easily be missed in 
the dark, and the steep above, such as troops, even when 
unopposed, could not ascend without difficulty. Yet the 



1750,] FRENCH WAR OF 1754—63. 125 

Slan, though bold and hazardous, was well adapted to the 
esperate situation of affairs, and was determined on. 

71. To conceal their intention, the admiral retired seve- 
ral leagues up the river. During the evening, a strong 
detachment was put on board the boats, and moved silently 
down with the tide, to the place of landing, where they 
arrived an hour before daybreak. Wolfe leaped on shore, 
was followed by the troops, and all instantly began, with 
the assistance of shrubs and projecting rocks, to climb up 
the precipice. The guard was dispersed, and, by the dawn 
of day, the whole army gained the heights of Abraham, 
where the different corps were formed under their respec- 
tive leaders. 

72. Montcalm, at first, could not believe that the Eng- 
lish had ascended the heights. When convinced of the 
fact, he comprehended the full advantage they had gained. 
He saw that a battle was inevitable, and prepared for it 
with promptness and courage. Leaving his camp at 
Montmorency, he advanced towards the English army, 
which was formed in order of battle to receive him. 

73. The French advanced briskly. The English re- 
served their fire until the enemy were near, and then gave 
it with decisive effect. Early in the engagement, Wolfe 
was wounded in the wrist, but, preserving his composure, 
he continued to encourage his troops. Soon after, he 
received a shot in the groin. This painful wound he also 
concealed, placed himself at the head of the grenadiers, 
and was leading them to the charge, when he received a 
third and mortal wound. 

74. Undismayed by the fall of their general, the English 
continued their exertions under Moncton, who, in a short 
time, was hi mself wo\inded, and the command devolved upon 
Townshend. About the same time, Montcalm received a 
mortal wound, and the second in command also fell. The 
left wing and centre of the French gave way. Part were 
driven into Quebec, and part over the river St. Charles. 

75. On receiving his mortal wound, Wolfe was con- 
veyed into the rear, where, careless abou.t himself, he 
discovered, in the agonies of death, the most anxious 
solicitude concerning the fate of the 4ili^. From extreme 
faintness, he had reclined his head on the arm of an officer, 
but was soon aroused by the cry of, " they fly, they fly." 
"Who fly?" exclaimed the dying hero. "The French," 
answered has -attendant. "Then," saiJ he, "I die con- 
tented,'* and immediately expired. A death so glorious, 

L 2 



126 REVOLUTION. 

and attended by circumstances so interesting, has seldom 
been recorded in history. 

76. Five days after the battle", the city surrendered 
and received an English garrison. The French concen- 
trated their remaining forces at Montreal, and, early in the 
spring, made attempts to regain possession of Quebec. 
Unsuccessful in these, they returned to Montreal, towards 
which the whole British force in America, under the com- 
mand of general Amherst, was approaching. This force 
was too strong to be resisted. In September, 1760, that 
city surrendered, and soon after all the French posts in 
Canada fell into the power of the English. 

77. In the other parts of the world, their arms were 
equally successful ; and, at the commencement of 1763, a 
peace, highly advantageous to their interests, was con- 
cluded at Paris.' By the treaty, France ceded to Great 
Britain all her northern settlements in America, which 
relieved the colonies from the continual dread of savage 
incursions. 

CHAPTER XV. 
REVOLUTION. 

In the late brilliant contest, England had made unpre- 
cedented exertions. At its close, she found that, though 
she had encircled her name with glory, and added ex- 
tensive territories to her empire, she had increased, in 
proportion, the burdens of her subjects, having added three 
hundred and twenty millions of dollars to the amount of 
her debt. To find the means of defraying the annual 
charges of this debt, and her other increased expenditures, 
was the first and difficult task of her legislators. 

2. Regard for their own interest and popularity impelled 
them to avoid, if possible, imposing the whole burden upon 
themselves and their fellow subjects at home; and their 
thoughts were turned to the colonies, as the source whence 
alleviation and assistance might be derived. On their 
acount, it was alleged, the contest had been waged; they 
would share the advantages of its glorious termination, 
and justice required that they should also defray a portion 
of the expenses. 

3. To ado];>t this expedient, the British miniitiy WMe 



1764.] REVOLUTION. 127 

the more naturally led by the opinion which all the Euro» 
peai2 governments entertained of the relation between the 
mother country and her colonies. They were supposed 
to be dependent on her will ; their inhabitants a distinct 
and subordinate class of subjects, and their interests en- 
tirely subservient to her aggrandizement and prosperity. 

4. Acting upon these principles, Great Britain had, by 
her laws of trade and navigation, confined the commerce 
of the colonies almost wholly to herself. To encourage 
her own artizans, she had even, in some cases, prohibited 
the establishment of manufactories in America. These 
restrictions, while they increased her revenue and wealth, 
greatly diminished the profits of the trade of the colonies, 
and sensibly impeded their internal prosperity. They were 
most injurious to New-England, where the sterility of the 
soil repelled the people from the pursuits of agriculture ; 
there they were most frequently violated, and there the 
arbitrary mode of enforcing them, by writs of assistance, 
awakened the attention of a proud and jealous people to 
their natural rights, to their rights as English subjects, 
and to the rights granted and secured by their charters. 

5. In the beginning of the year 1764, the British par- 
liament enacted a law imposing duties upon certain articles 
of merchandise, to be paid in the colonial ports. Mr. 
Grenville, the prime minister, also proposed a resolution, 
" that it would be proper to charge certain stamp duties 
on the colonics," but postponed the consideration of that 
subject to a futJire session. As it was foreseen that the 
law would be disregarded, if extraordinary measures were 
not adopted to enforce it, provision was made that all 
penalties for violations of it, and of all other revenue 
laws, might be recovered in the admiralty courts. The 
judges of these courts were dependent solely on the king, 
and decided the causes brought before them, without the 
intervention of a jury. 

6. Intelligence of these proceedings occasioned, in 
America, groat and universal alarm. They were con- 
sidered the conmencement of a system of taxation, 
which, if not vigorously resisted, would, in time, be 
extended to every article of commerce, and to every in- 
ternal source of income ; and if the colonists could be 
deprived in one class of causes, why not in all, of that 
inestimable privilege, the trial by jury 1 

7. The general court of Massachusetts, at their session 
in June, took this law into consideration. The house of 



128 REVOLUTION. [1T64. 

representatives sent a spirited letter of instructions to 
their agent, in England, in which they denied the right of 
j)arliament to impose duties and taxes upon the people not 
represented in the house of commons ; and directed him 
to remonstrate against the duties imposed, and the stamp 
act in contemplation. They also acquainted the other 
colonies with the instructions they had given to their agent, 
and desired their concurrence in the mode of opposition 
adopted. In the course of the year, several other colo- 
nies, particularly New- York and Virginia, remonstrated 
in respectful, but decided terms, against the proceedings 
of parliament. 

8. In these several state papers, the right of Great 
Britain to collect a tax in the colonies, was explicitly 
denied ; and the denial was supported by clear and power- 
ful arguments. It was stated that the first emigrants 
came to America with the undoubted consent of the 
mother country; that all the expenses of removal, of 
purchasing the territory, and, for a long time, of protection 
from savage warfare, were defrayed by private individuals, 
except in the single instance of the settlement of Georgia : 
that charters, under the great seal, were given to the 
emigrants, imparting and securing to them and to their 
descendants, all the rights of natural born English sub- 
jects ; that of tliese rights, none was more indisputable, 
and none more highly valued, than that no subject could 
be deprived of his property but by his own consent, ex- 
pressed in person or by his representative; that taxes 
were but grants, by the representative, of a portion of his 
own property, and of that of those who had authorized 
him to act in their behalf. Could it be just, it was asked, 
that the representatives of Englishmen should " give and 
grant" the property of Americans? With what safety to 
the c(;lonies, could the right of taxing them be confided to 
a body of men three thousand miles distant, over whom 
they had no control, none of whom could be acquainted 
with their situation or resources, and whose interests 
would impel them to make the burdens of the colonists 
heavy, that their own might be light 1 

9. But, besides infringing the rights of freemen, tha,^ 
measure was neither equitable nor generous. The colo- 
nies had domestic governments v»hich they alone sup- 
ported ; in the late war, their exertions ha(] been greater, 
in proportion to their ability, than those of England ; they 
also had contracted debts wlii:*h they must themselves 



1765.] REVOLUTION. 1S9 

^pay; the taxes laid by many of the assemblies, were 
' higher than those paid by the inhaU^ants of England ; if 
the vva^had been waged on their account, it was because, 
as colonics, they \^ere benefK^Tal to the mother country ; 
and from it^appy termination, they derived no advantage 
which wagi^hot the source of tlltimate profit to her. 

10. Upon men who entertained the strictest notidfis of 
colonial dependence, and l)arliamentary supremacy, these 
arguments had little effect. The minister was lifet diverted 
from his purpose. In March, 1765, he laid before parlia- , 
ment a bill, imposing stamp duties on certain papers and 
documents used in the colonies. At the first reading, it 
was warmly opposed; by some because it was impoBtic, 
by two only because it w'^ a violation of right. 

11. The bill was supported by Charles Townshend, a 
brilliant orator, on the side of the ministry. At the con- 
clusion of an animated speech, he demanded : " And these 
Americans, children planted by our care, nourished by our 
indulgence, protected by our arms, imtil they are grown to 
a good degree of strength and opulence, will they grudge 
to contribute their mite to relieve us from the heavy load 
of national expense which we lie under ?" 

12. Colonel Barre, immediately rising, indignantly and 
eloquently exclaimed : " Children planted by your care I 
No. Your oppressions planted them in America. They 
fled from your tyranny into a then uncultivated land, 
where they were exposed to all the hardships to which 
human nature is liable ; and among others, to the cruelties 
of a savage foe, the most subtle, and I will take upon 
me to say, the most terrible, that ever inhabited any part 
of God's earth. And yet, actuated by principles of true 
English liberty, they met all these hardships with pleasure, 
when they compared them with those they suffered in 
their own country, from men who should have been their 
friends. -* 

13. " They nourished by your indulgence ! No. Thef 
grew by your neglect. When you began to care about 
them, that care was exercised in sending persons to rule 
over them, who were the deputies of some deputy sent to 
spy out their liberty, to misrepresent their actions, and to 
prey upon them; whose behavior, on many occasions, 
has caused th'S^blood of those sons of liberty to recoil 
within them; men promoted to the highest seats of justice, 
some of whom were glad, by going to a foreign country, 
to escape being brought to tho bar of justice in their own. 



130 REVOLUTION. [1765. 

14. " They proteci^(I by your arms I They have noblyjgk 
taken up arms in yoiu- defence. They hare exer^d their 
valor, amidst their consent and lal^rious industry, for 
the defence of a country which, while its frontier was 
drenchra in blood, has yielded all its little sa^dngs to your 
emolument. Believe me, and remember I this day told 
you so, the same spirit which actuated that people at first, 
S^li contijjLues with them; but prudence forbids mo to 
explain myself farther. 

15. " God knows I do not at this time speak from party 
heat. However superior to me in general knowledge and 
experience, any one here may be, I claim to know more 
of America, having been conversant in that country. The 
people there are as truly loyal as any subjects the king 
has; but they are a people jealous of their liberties, and 
will vindicate them if they, should be violated. But tho 
subject is delicate ; 1 will say no more." 

16. Eloqence and argument availed nothing. The bill 
was almost unanimously passed. The nigbt after, Doctor 
Franklin, then in England as agent for Pennsylvania, 
wrote to Charles Thompson : " The sun of libei ty is set ; 
you must light up the candles of industry and Gconomy." 
" Be assured," said Mr. Thompson, in reply, " that we 
shall light up torches of quite another sort ;" thus predict- 
ing the commotions which followed. 

17. The act provided that all contracts and legal pro- 
cesses should be written on stamped paper, which was to 
be furnished, at exorbitant prices, by the government or 
should have no force in law. Information of its passage 
was received in all the colonies with sorrow and dismay. 
They saw that they must either surrender, without a 
struggle, their darling rights, or resist the government of 
a nation, which they had been accustomed to regard with 
filial respect, and was then the most powerful in the world. 

18. The general assembly of Virginia were in session 
when the information arrived. Of that body, Patrick 
Henry, a young man, but a distinguished orator, was a 
member. Near the close of the session, he proposed five 
resolutions, in the first four of which were asserted the 
various rights and privileges claimed by the colonists, and, 
in the fifth, the right of parliament to tax America, was 
boldy and explicitly denied. These he defended by strong 
reason and irresistible eloquence, and they were adopted 
by a majority of one. 

19. The next day, in his absence, the fifth resolution 



1765.] REVOLUTION. 131 

was rescinded ; but that and the others had gone forth to 
the world, and imparted higiier aniiuatiun to the friends of 
freedom. They were a signal to the resolute and ardent ; 
they gave encouragement to the timid and cautious : they 
were industriously but privately circulated, in the principj^l 
cities, until they arrived in New- England, wnere they' 
were fearlessly published in all the newspapers. , 

20. Nearly at the same time, and before the proceed- 
ings of Virginia were knovvu in Massachusetts, her general 
court adopted measures to procure a combined opj>osition 
to the offensive laws. They parsed a resolve proposing 
that a congress of delegates from the several colonies, 
should be held at New-York, and addressed letters to the 
other assemblies, earnestly soliciting their concurrence. 

21. These legislative proceeding^ took place in May 
and June, 1765. ''^i'liey were the moderate and dignified 
expression of feelings, which animated, in a more intense 
degree, a great majority of the people. In New-England, 
associations, for the purpose of resisting the law, were 
organized, assuming, from Barre's speech, the appellation 
oi " Sons of Liberty ;" pamphlets were published vindi- 
cating the rights of the colonies; and the public journals 
were filled with essays pointing out the danger which 
threatened the cause of liberty, and encouraging a bold 
and manly resistance. 

22. Excited by these publications, a multitude assembled 
in Boston, on the 14th of August, burned the effigy of 
Andrew Oliver, who had been appointed stamp-distributer, 
and demolished a building which they supposed he had 
erected for his office. Fearful of farther injury, Mr. 
Oliver declared his intention to resign, when the people 
desisted from molesting him. 

23. Several days afterwards, a mob beset the house of 
Mr. vStory, an officer of the detested admiralty court. 
They broke his windows, destroyed his furniture, and^ 
burned his papers. They then proceeded to the house of 
lieutenant-governor Hutchinson, by whose advice, it was 
supposed, the stamp-act had been passed. They entered 
it by force. Himself, his wife, and children fled. His 
elegant furniture was carried off or destroyed. The par- 
titions of the house were -broken down, and the next 
morning nothing but the bare and desolate walls remained. 

24. When intelligence of these proceedings reached 
Newport, in Rliode Island, the people of that place as- 
sembled and cOTTirnitted similar outrages. Two houses 



132 REVOLUTION. [1765. 

were pillaged, and the stamp-distributer, to preserve his 
own, was obliged to give to the leader of the exasperated 
populace a written resignation of his office. In Connec- 
ticut, similar commotions were also quieted by the resigna- 
tion of the distributer of stamps for that colony. 

25. In New- York, the people displayed equal spirit, 
but less turbulence and rage. The obnoxious act was 
printed, under the title of " The folly of England, and 
the ruin of America," and thus exhibited for sale in the 
streets. At an early period, the stamp-distributer pru- 
dently resigned his office ; and when the stamped paper 
arrived, it was deposited for safe keeping in the fort. A 
mob required the lieutenant-governor to place it in their 
hands. He refused ; but, terrified by their menaces, 
consented to deliver it to the magistrates, who deposited 
it in the city hall. Ten boxes, which afterwards arrived, 
were seized by the people, and committed to the flames. 

26. So general was the opposition to the law, that the 
stamp-officers, in all the colonies, were compelled to 
resign. In Boston, care was taken, on the one hand, to 
prevent the recurrence of violent proceedings, arid, on the 
other, to keep in full vigor the spirit of resistance. A 
newspaper was established, having for its device a snake 
divided into as many parts as there were colonies, and 
for its motto, "join or die." Mr. Oliver was required to 
resign his office, with more ceremony and solemnity, under 
a large elm, which had, from the meetings held under it, 
received the name of the tree of liberty. 

27. In October, the congress recommended by Massa- 
chusetts, convened at New-York. Delegates from six 

f>rovinces only were present. Their first act was a Dec- 
aration of Rights, in which they asserted, that the 
colonies were entitled to all the rights and liberties of 
natural born subjects within the kingdom of Great Britain, 
the most essential of which were the exclusive right to 
tax themselves, and the privilege of trial by jury. A 
petition to the king, and a memorial to both houses of 
parliament, were also agreed on ; and the colonial assem- 
blies were advised to appoint special agents to solicit, in 
concert, a redress of grievances. To interest the people 
of England in the cause of the colonies, the merchants of 
New- York directed their correspondents, in t-hat country, 
to purchase no more goods until the stamp-act should be 
repealed. Immediately after, non-ijjyjortation agreements 
were adopted in the other colonies, and associations were 



1766.] REVOLtJTION. 133 

organized for the encouragement of domestic manufac- 
tures. To avoid the necessity of stamps, proceedings in 
the courts of justice were suspended, and disputes were 
settled by arbitration. 

28. In the meantime, an entire change had taken place 
in the British Cabinet, and a proposition to repeal the 
stamp act was, by the new ministry, laid before parliament. 
An mteresting debate ensued. Mr. Grenville, the late 
prime minister, declared, that to repeal the act under 
existing circumstances, would degrade the government, 
and encourage rebellion. "When," he demanded, "were 
the Americans emancipated? By what law, by what 
reason, do they ungratefully claim exemption from defray- 
ing expenses incurred in protecting them 1" 

29. William Pitt, he who had wielded, with such 
mighty eft'ect, the power of England, in the late war, rose 
to reply. He regretted that he had not been able to attend 
in his place, and oppose the law on its passage. " It is 
now an act that has passed. I would speak with decency 
of every act of this house ; but I must beg the indulgence 
of this house to speak of it with freedom. Assuredly a 
more important subject never engaged your attention ; that 
subject only excepted, when, nearly a century ago, it was 
the question whether you yourselves were bond or free 1 

30. " Those who have spoken before me, with so much 
vehemence, would maintain the act because our honor 
demands it. But can the point of honor stand opposed 
against justice, against reason, against right ? It is my 
opinion that England has no right to tax the colonies. 
At the same time, I assert the authority of this kingdom 
over the colonies to be sovereign and supreme, in every 
circumstance of government and legislation whatsoever. 

31. " Taxation is no part of the governing or legisla- 
tive power. The taxes are a voluntary gift and grant of 
the commons alone ; when, therefore, in this house, we 
give and grant, we give and grant what is our own. But 
in an American tax, what do we do ? We, your majes- 
ty's commons of Great Britain, give and grant to your 
majesty — what ? Our own property 1 No. We give and 
grant to your majesty the property of your coimmons in 
America. It is an absurdity in terms. 

3*2. " It has been asked, when Avere the Americans 
emancipated ? But I desire to know when they were 
made slaves. I hear it said, that America is obstinate ; 
America is almost in open rebellion. 1 rejoice that 

M 



131 REVOLUTION. [1760. 

America has resisted. Three millions of people, so dead 
to all the lei'liugs of liberty us voliiutarily to submit to be 
slaves, would have been lit instruments to make slaves 
of ourselves. 

33. " The honorable member has said, for he is fluent 
in words of bitterness, that America is ungratefuL He 
boasts of his bounties towards her. But are not these 
bounties intended finally for the benefit of this kingdom 1 
The i)rofits of Great Britain, from her commerce with 
the colonies, are two millions a year. This is the fund 
that carried you triumpliantly through the last war. The 
estates that were rented at two tliousand pounds a year,- 
seventy years ago, are at three thousand pounds at pres- 
ent. You owe this to America. This is the price she 
pays you for protection. 

34- " A great deal has been said without doors, and 
nu)re than is discreet, of the power, of the strength of 
America. In a good cause, on a sound bottom, the force 
of this country can crush America to atoms. But on the 
ground of this tax, when it is wished to prosecute an 
evident injustice, I am one who will lift my hands and 
my voice against it. In such a cause, your success 
would be deplorable and victory hazardous. America, 
if she fell, would fall like the strong man. She would 
embrace the pillars of the state, and pull down the con- 
stitution along with her." 

35. The sentiments of this great statesman prevailed- 
in parliament. The stamp act was repealed; but another 
act was passed declaring that " the legislature of Great 
Britain lias authority to make laws to bind the colonies 
in all cases whatsoever." The merchants of London re- 
joiced at this repeal. They had felt the effects of the 
colonial non-importation agreements, and dreaded that 
still more injurious consequences would follow. 

36. But far greater were the rejoicings of the Ameri- 
cans. They had obtained the object for which they had 
contended. They regarded the daclaratory act as the 
mere reservation of wounded pride, and welcomed with 
transport the opportunity of again cherishing their former 
affection for the land of their fathers. The assemblies of 
several colonies voted their thanks to Mr. Pitt, and to 
others in England, who had supported their caus€ ; and 
that of Virginia resolved to erect an obelisk to their 
honor, and a marble statue of the king, as a memorial of 
gratitude. 



17G7.] REVOLUTION. 135 

37. By the prople of New-England and New- York less 
joy was felt aad less gratitude displayed. Tlie laws ini- 
jx)sing duties on their trade were still in force. The 
courts of adn)iralty, sitting without juries, still retained 
jurisdiction of all revenue causes. Their repeated 
contests with their governors, had weakened their attach- 
ment to the nation that api)oiiited them, and confirmed 
ihe.ir repuhlican principles. They still remembered the 
past and entertained suspicions of the future. 

38. The very next year events occurred which justified 
these suspicions. A law of parliament, which remained 
unrepealed, directed that whenever troops should be 
marched iiito any of the colonies, quarters, rum, and va- 
rious {lecessary articles, should be provided for them, at 
the expense of the colony. The assembly of New- York 
refused obedience to this law, considering in an indirect 
mode of taxing them without their consent. To punish 
t'liis disobedience, parliament immediately suspended the 
authority of the assembly. It was easily seen that noth- 
ing had been gained, if this power of suspension, for such 
a cause, existed, and could be exercised at pleasure. 

39. The alarm, occasioned by this act of despotic 
power, was increased by a measure, which, under the 
auspices of a new ministry, was adopted in June, 1767. 
A duty was imposed by parliament on the importation 
into the colonies, of glass, tea, and other enumerated 
articles, and provision was made for the appointment of 
commissioners of the customs to be dependent solely on 
the crown. 

40. Early in the next year, the general court of Massa- 
chusetts, pursuing the same course as in 1764, addressed 
a letter to their agent in Loiwlon, containing able arguments 
against those duties, and requested him to communicate the 
letter to the ministry. They also sent to the other colonial 
assemblies, a circular letter, in which these arguments 
were repeated, and suggested the expediency of acting in 
concert, in all endeavors to obtain redress. 

41. These proceedings incensed and alarmed the min- 
istry. They feared that a union of the colonies would 
give them strength and confidence, and determined if pos- 
sible to prevent it. They instructed Sir John Bernard, 
then governor of Massachusetts, to require the general 
court to rescind the vote directing the circular letter to be 
sent, and in case of refusal to dissolve it. The governor 



136 REVOLUTION [1768. 

communicated these instructions to the house of represen- 
tatives, which, by a vote of ninety-two to seventeen, refu- 
sed to rescind, and was accordingly dissolved. 

42. The attempt to intimidate did but strengthen oppo- 
sition. The non-importation agreements, which had been 
lately abandoned, were renewed, and more extensively 
adopted. The citizens of Boston met, and proposed that 
a convention of delegates from the several towns in the 
province, should be held at that place. Nearly every 
town accordingly sent delegates. This convention, though 
it disclaimed all legal authority, was regarded with the 
same respect as a legitimate assembly. Its proceedings 
were unimportant, but by its sessions in the metropolis of 
New-England, the people became accustomed to pay def- 
erence to a body of men deriving all their authority from 
the instructions of their constituents. 

43. On so many occasions had the refractory spirit of 
the citizens of Boston been displayed, that general Gage, 
who was commander-in-chief of all the troops in the col- 
onies, was ordered to station a regiment in that town, as 
weH to overawe the citizens, as to protect the officers of 
the revenue in the discharge of their duty. Before the 
order was executed, the seizure of a sloop belonging to 
Mr.Hancock, a popular leader, occasioned a riot, in which 
those officers were insulted and beaten. The general, 
on receiving information of this event, sent two regiments 
instead of one, and on the first of October they arrived in 
the harbour. 

44. The ships that brought them, taking a station 
that commanded the whole town, lay with their broad- 
sides towards it, ready to fire should resistance be at- 
tempted. The troops, with loaded muskets and fixed 
bayonets, then landed ; and, the selectmen having refused 
to provide quarters, they took" possession of the state- 
house. All the rooms, except one reserved for the coun- 
cil, were filled, and two peices of cannon were placed near 
the principal entrance. 

45. With indignant and exasperated feelings, the people 
witnessed this threatening display of military force. They 
saw the hall of their venerated legislature polluted by the 
tread of foreign mercenaries. They saw soldiers parading 
their streets and guards mounted at the corners. They 
were challenged as they passed, and the unwelcome din 
of martial music often disturbed their repose. They 



1769.] REVOLUTION. 137 

knew that intimidation was the object, and felt a istronger 
<ietermination to resist than had before animated their 
bosoms. 

46. Resolutions, in the mean time, had been adopted in 
parliament, censuring, in the strongest terms the conduct 
of the people of Massachusetts, and directing the gover- 
nor to make strict inquiry, as to all treasons committed in 
that province, since the year 1667, in order that the per- 
sons most active in committing them might be sent to 
England for trial. 

47. These resolutions rendered it sufficiently evident 
that Great Britain had determined to adhere to the system 
of measures she had adopted. In May, they were taken 
into consideration by the house of burgesses of Virginia. 
In sundry resolutions, they reasserted the right of the 
colonies to be exempted from parliamentary taxation, and 
declared that seizing persons in the colonies, suspected of 
having committed crimes therein, and sending them be- 
yond sea to be tried, violated the rights of British subjects, 
as it deprived them of the inestimable right of being tried 
by a jury of the vicinage, and of producing witnesses on 
their trial. 

48. While these resolutions were under discussion, the 
house, apprehensive of an immediate dissolution should 
the subject of their deliberations be known to the gover- 
nor, closed their doors. The instant they were opened, a 
message was announced, requesting their attendance be- 
fore him. " Mr. Speaker," said he, " and gentlemen of 
the house of burgesses. I have heard of your resolves, 
and augur ill of their effects. You have made it my duty 
to dissolve you, and you are dissolved accordingly." 

49. This, like every previous measure of intimidation, 
excited to a still higher degree, the spirit of opposition. 
The members assembled at a private house, elected their 
speaker to preside as moderator, and unanimously formed 
a non-importation agreement similar to those previously 
adopted at the north. In a few weeks, the example of 
Virginia was followed by most of the southern colonies. 

60. To the citizens of Boston, the troops quartered 
among them were a painful and irritating spectacle. 
Quarrels occurring daily between them and the populace, 
increased the animosity of each to ungovernable hatred. 
At length, on the evening of the fifth of March, an afl&ay 
took place in King-street, fsinc-e called State-stree'^J ii: 

M 2 



138 REVOLUTION. [1770w 

which a detachment of the troops commanded by captain 
Preston, after being insulted, pelted with snow-balls and 
dared to fire, discharged their muskets upon the multitude, 
killing four persons and wounding others. 

51. The drimis were instantly beat to arms, and several 
thousand people assembled, who, enraged by the sight of 
the dead bodies of their fellow citizens, slain in a cause 
dear to them all, prepared to attack a larger detachment 
which had been sent to support their comrades. In this 
state of excitement, they were addressed by lieutesiant- 
governor Hutchinson, who appeared in the midst of them. 
Though personally obnoxious, he calmed their fury, and 
prevailed upon them to disperse until morning. 

52. The next day, captain Preston and his p'/rty were 
arrested and committed to prison. The citizens met and 
appointed a committee to demand the immc^dlate removal 
of the troops from the town. At this meeting Samuel 
Adams, an inflexible patriot, was distinguished for his 
decision and boldness. After some hesics^tion, on the part 
of the commanding officer, they were sent to castle Wil- 
liam, and were accompanied by several officers of the 
customs who dreaded the indignation of the people. 

53. Three days afterwards, the funeral of the deceased 
took place. It was conducted with great pomp, and unusual 
ceremonies, expressive of the public feeling. The shops 
were closed. The bells of Boston, Roxbury, and Charles- 
town were tolled. Four processions, moving from different 
parts of the town, met at the fatal spot, and proceeded 
thence towards the place of interment. This united pro- 
cession comprised an immense number of people on foot 
and in carriages, all displaying the deepest grief and indig- 
nation. The bodies were deposited together in the same 
vault. 

54. When the passions of the people had in some degree 
subsided, captain Preston and his soldiers were brought to 
trial. They were defended by John Adams, and Josiah 
Quincy, two able lav/yers, and distinguished leaders of 
the popular party. For nearly six weeks, the court were 
employed in examiniMg witnesses, and in listening to the 
arguments of counsel. Captain Pr-^ston, not having 
ordered his men to fire, was acquitted by the jury. Of 
the soldiers, six were also acquitted, there being no positive 
testimony that they fired upon the people ; and two were 
acquitted of murder, as great provocation was offered, but 



nm] REVOLUTION. 131) 

found guilty of manslaughter — a result evincing the integ- 
rity of the jury and the magnanimity and uprightness of 
the counsel for the accused. 

55. While these events were occurring in the colonies, 
an attempt, supported by the prime minister, was made in 
England, to repeal all the laws for raising a revenue in 
America. The parliament, with a mixture of timidity and 
obstinacy, characteristic of the councils of the nation at 
that period, relinquished all the duties but that on tea, and 
this they unwisely retained to assert and display their 
supremacy over the colonies. 

56. This partial repeal produced no change In the senti- 
ments of the people. By rendering the contest more 
clearly a contest of principle, it sanctified their conduct in 
their own view, and ennobled it in that of the world. 
The non-importation agreements, however, were made to 
correspond with the altered law. Tea only was to be 
excluded from the country ; and this article of luxury was 
banished from the tables of all who were friendly to Ame- 
rican rights. 



CHAPTER XVI. 
REVOLUTION. 

The years 1771 and 1772 were not distinguished by any 
important event. The southern colonies, more agricultural 
than commercial, suffered but little from the (:^eration of 
the laws of trade, and, having mostly popular governors, 
continued tranquil. In Massachusetts, various causes 
contributed to increase the discontent which previously 
existed. Governor Hutchinson, having adjourned the 
general court to Salem, refused, notwithstanding reiterated 
remonstrances, to permit them to return to Boston. He 
withdrew the provincial troops from the castle and sup- 
plied their place with regulars, as the British troops were 
then called. He declined receiving his salary from the 
colonial treasury, stating that his majesty had assigned to 
him, and also to the judges, permanent and honorable 
salaries, to be paid in Great Britain. These measures 
were highly unpopular, and especially the last which re- 
leased those officers from all dependence on the people. 

2, To ascertain the sentiments 01 the inhabitants ; to 



140 REVOLUTION. [1773. 

enliffhtea tlie remotest parts of the province by diffusing 
intelligence, and distributing political essays ; and to pro^ 
duce concert in measures, James Warren and Samuel 
Adaras suggested and procured the appointment, in every 
town, of committees of correspondenr^e. By the agency 
of these, resolutions and addresses, sometimes inflamma- 
tory and always spirited, were speedily conveyed through 
the country, arousing the attention of all and exhorting to 
perseverance in the cause of liberty. This example was 
soon after followed in other colonies ; and in 1773, at the 
suggestion of the Virginia assembly, standing committees 
were appointed, by the colonial legislatures, to correspond 
with each other. This institution, when more active 
opposition became necessary, was found extremely useful. 

3. In this year, Dr. Franklin obtatned in London a 
number of original letters from goverpor Hutchinson, 
lieutenant-governor Oliver and others, to their correspon-* 
dents in parliament. In these letters, the opposition in 
Massachusetts was stated to be confined to a few factious 
individuals, who had been emboldened by the weakness of 
the means used to restrain them. M^ asures more vigorous 
were recommended : and the ministry were urged to take 
from the people and exercise themselves the power of 
appointing counsellors and all colonial magistrates. These 
letters he transmitted to Boston. 

4. The source and occasion of the offensive proceedings 
of parliament were now disclosed. The passions of the 
people were highly inflamed, and the weight of popular 
indignation fell upon the authors of these letters. The 
central committee of correspondence, at Boston, sent 
printed copies, enclosed in a spirited circular, to all the 
towns in the province. And the general court, in several 
resolutions which were also published, animadverted with 
severity upon the misrepresentations and advice contained 
in the letters, thus increasing the irritation which their 
discovery and perusal had occasioned. 

5. Meanwhile the tea of the East India Company, not 
finding a market in America, accumulated in their ware- 
houses in England. Encouraged by the government, they 
resolved to export it on their own account, and appointed 
consignees in the various sea-ports in the colonies. Those 
in Philadelphia were induced, by the disapprobation ex- 
pressed by the citizens, to decline their appointment. In 
New-York, spirited handbills were circulated menacing 
with ruin every perst)n who should be concerned in vending 



1773.] REVOLUTION. 141 

tea, and requiring the pilots, at their peril, not to conduct 
ships, loaded with that article, into the harbor. Intimidated 
by these proceedings, the captains of the tea ships, bound 
to those ports, returned with their cargoes to England. 

6. In Boston, inflammatory handbills were also circu- 
lated, and meetings held ; but the consignees, being mostly 
relatives of the governor, and relying on his support, refused 
to decline their appointments. Their refusal enraged the 
citizens, and the community became agitated by the ope- 
ration of*highly excited passions. Meetings were more 
frequently held. The committees of correspondence were 
every where active. The people of the country exhorted 
their brethren in Boston to act worthy of their former 
character, worthy of " Sons of Liberty,-" upon whose con- 
duct, in the present emergency, every thing depended. 

7. On the 29th of November, a ship, laden with tea, 
came into the harbor. Notifications were immediately 
posted up, inviting every friend to his country to meet 
forthwith and concert united resistance to the arbitrary 
measures of Britain. A crowded meeting was held, and 
a resolution adopted, " that the tea should not be landed, 
that no duty should be paid, and that it should be sent 
back in the same vessel." A watch was also organized 
to prevent it from being secretly brought on shore. 

8. A short time was then allowed for the captain to 
prepare to return home with his cargo. Governor Hutch- 
inson refused to grant him the requisite permission to 
pass the castle. Other vessels, laden with tea, arrived. 
The agitation increased, and on the 18th of December, the 
inhabitants of Boston and the adjoining towns assembled 
to determine what course should be pursued. At this 
important meeting, Josiah Quincy, desirous that the con- 
sequences of the measures to be adopted should be first 
seriously contemplated, thus addressed his fellow citizens 

9. " It is not, Mr. Moderator, the spirit that vapours 
within these walls that will sustain us in the hour of need. 
The proceedings of this day will call forth events which 
will make a very different spirit necessary for our salvation. 
Whoever supposes that shouts and hosannas Mall termi- 
nate our trials, entertains a childish fancy. We must be 
grossly ignorant of the value of the prize for which v.-e 
contend ; we must be equally ignorant of the power of 
those who have combined against us; we must be blind 
to that inveterate malice and insatiable revenge which 
actuate our enemies, abroad and iii our bosom, to hope tliat 



142 REVOLUTION. [ITT^L 

we slmll end this controversy without the sharj^eet conflicts 
— or to flatter ourselves that popular resolves, populai 
harangues, and popular acclamations, will vanquish our 
foes. Let us consider the issue ; let us look to the end ; 
let us weigh and delilierate, before we advance to those 
measures which must bring on the most trying and terrible 
struggle this country ever saw." 

10. In the evening the question was put, " Do you abide 
by your former resolution to prevent the landing ofj;he tea?" 
The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Anplication 
was again made to the governor for a pass. A^" -r a short 
delay, his refusal was communicated to the assembly. 
Instantly a person, disguised like an Lidian, gave the war 
"whoop from the gallery. At this signal, the people rushed 
out of the house and hastened to the wharves. About 
twenty persons, in thr dress of Mohawks, boarded the 
vessels, and, protected by the crowd on shore, broke open 
three hundred and forty-two chests of tea and emptied 
their contents into the ocean. Tbeir purpose accomplished, 
the multitude returned without tumult to their habitations. 

n. These proceedings excited the anger of parliament 
and the displeasure of the British nation. Punishment, 
not a change of measures, was resolved upon. An act, 
closing the port of Boston, and removing the custom-house 
to Salem, was passed, and was to continue in force until 
compensation should be made for the tea destroyed ; ano- 
ther act was passed, taking from the general court and 
giving to the crown the appointment of counsellors ; and 
general Gage vras made governor in the place of Mr. 
Hutchinson. 

12. Intelligence of the Boston port-bill occasioned a 
meeting of the citizens of the town ; they were sensible 
that "the most trying and terrible struggle" was indeed 
now approaching, but felt unawed by its terrors. They 
sought not to shelter themselves from the storm by sub- 
mission, but became more resolute as it increased. They 
declared the act to be unjust and inhuman, and invited 
their brethren in the other colonies to unite with them in 
a general non-importation agreement. 

13. A similar spirit pervaded and animated the whole 
country. Addresses from the adjacent toY/ns, and from 
every part of the continent, were sent to the citizens of 
Boston, applauding their resolution, exhorting them to 
p«*j-severance, and assuring them that they were considered 
3S snfleriag in a common cause. In Virginia, the first day 



"1774.] REVOLUTION. U3 

of June, when the law began to operate, was observed as a 
public and solemn fast. With devout feelings, the divine 
interposition was implored, in all the churches, to avert the 
evils of civil war, and to give to the people one heart and 
one mind, firmly to oppose every invasion of their liberty. 

14. The same day Avas oltserved, with similar solemnity, 
in most of (lie other colonies; and thus an opportunity 
was presented to the ministers of the gospel to dispense 
political instruction, to paint, in vivid colors, the sufferings 
of the citizens oif Boston, and tow^ai-n their congregations, 
that, should Great Britain succeed in her schemes, the 
danger to their religious would be as great as to their civil 
privileges ; that a tame submission to the will of parlia- 
ment) would inevitably be followed by bishops, tithes, test 
acts, and ecclesiastical tribunals. 

15. The sufferings of the inhabitants of Boston were 
indeed severe. Nearly all were compelled to be idle. 
Many, by loss of employment, lost their sole means of 
support. In this extremity, contributions in money and 
provisions were forwarded to them from all the colonies, 
as proofs of sympathy in their distresses, and of approba- 
tion of their having met and manfully withstood the first 
shock of arbitrary power. 

16. Gradually and constantly had the minds and feelings 
of the Americans been preparing for this important crisis. 
That enthusiastic patriotism which elevates the soul above 
all considerations of interest or danger had now become 
their ruling passion. The inhabitants of Salem spurned 
advantages to ]i« derived from the punishment inflicted on 
a sister town, l»)r its zeal in a sacred and common cause. 
" We must," said they, in a remonstrance to the governor, 
" be dead to every idea of justice, lost to all feelings of 
humanity ; could we indulge one thought, to seize on 
wealth, and raise our fortunes from the ruin of our suffer- 
ing neighbours." 

17. In June, the general court assembled at Salem, and 
among their first acts were, the recommendation of a 
continental congress, which had been suggested by the 
committee of correspondence in Virginia, and the choice 
of delegates to attend it. While engaged, with closed 
doors, in this business, governor Gage^ who had received 
a private intimation of their purposes, dissolved the court 
by a proclamation which was read upon th« steps. In 
all the other colonies, except Georgia, delegates were also 
chosen. 



144 REVOLUTION. [1774. 

18. On the 5th of September, these delegates met at 
Philadelphia. Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, was unani- 
mously elected president, and Charles Thompson, secre- 
tary. It was determined that each colony should have but 
one vote, whatever might be the number of its deputies, 
and that all their transactions, except such as they might 
resolve to publish, should be kept inviolably secret. 

19. Resolutions were then adopted, expressing the 
sympathy of congress in the sufferings of their countrymen 
in Massachusetts, and highly approving the wisdom and 
fortitude of their conduct. They also resolved that the 
importation of goods from Great Britain should cease on 
the first day of the succeeding December, and all exports 
to that country on the 10th of September, 1775, unless 
American grievances should be sooner redressed. These 
resolutions possessed no legal force, but never were laws 
more faithfully observed. 

20. In other resolutions, they enumerated certain rights, 
which, as men and English subjects, " they claimed, de- 
manded, and insisted on;" and recounted numerous viola- 
tions of those rights by parliament. Addresses to the 
people of Great Britain, to the inhabitants of Canada, and 
to their constituents, were prepared and published; and an 
affectionate petition to the king was agreed upon. 

21. In these able and important state papers, the claims, 
principles, and feelings of tbeir constituents are clearly 
and eloquently set forth. They glow with the lo^'e of 
liberty, they display a determination, too firm to be shaken^ 
to defend and preserve it at every hazard ; they contain 
the strongest professions of attachment to the mother 
country, arid of loyalty to the king. A desire of indepen- 
dence is expressly disavowed. "Place us," says the 
congress, " in the situation we were in, at the close of 
the last war, and our former harmony will be restored." 
" We ask," say they in their petition, " but for peace, 
liberty, and safety. We wish not a diminution of the 
prerogative, nor do we solicit the grant of any new right 
in our favor. Your royal authority over us, and onr con- 
nection with Great Britain, we shall always carefully and 
zealously endeavour to support and maintain." 

22. These papers, gomg forth to the world, made the 
cause of the colonies known throughout Europe, and con- 
ciliated those who had embraced liberal principles in 
politics, or felt displeasure at the pride and haughtiness of 
Britain. Their tone of ma^vly eiv&rg}", and the knowledge 



ir74.1 ' REVOLUTION. 146 

they displayed of political science, excited universal ap- 
plause and admiration. 

23. " When your lordships," said Mr. Pitt, in the 
British senate, " have perused the papers transmitted to 
us from America; when you consider the dignity, the 
firnmess, and the wisdom, with which the Americans 
have acted, you cannot hut respect their cause. History, 
my lords, has heen my favorite study ; and in the cele- 
brated writings of antiquity I have often admired the 
patriotism of Greece and Rome ; but, my lords, I muyt 
declare and avow, that in the master states of the world, 
1 know not the people nor the senate, who, in such a 
complication of difficult circumstances, can stand in pre- 
ference to the delegates of America assembled, in general 
congress, at Philadelphia. I trust that it is obvious to 
your lordships, that all attempts to impose servitude upon 
such men, to establish despotism over such a mighty 
continental nation, must be vain, must be futile." 

24. In America, the proceedings of congress were read 
with enthusiasm and veneration. Their reasonings con- 
firmed the conviction, strongly felt by nearly the whole 
people, of the perfect justice of their cause. In the ad- 
dress to themselves, they were admonished " to extend 
their views to mournful events, and to be in all respects 
prepared for every contingency." Great efforts were 
consequently made to provide arms and all the munitions 
of war. Independent companies were formed ; voluntary 
trainings were frequent ; the old and the yomig, the rich 
and the poor devoted their hours of amusement and of 
leisure, to exercises calculated t* fit them to act a part in 
the anticipated conflict. The country was alive with the 
bustle of preparation, and in every cwmtenance could be 
read the expectation of important transactions, in which 
all must participate. 

25. Complete unanimity, however, did not exist. Some 
of the late emigrants from England, the most of those 
who held offices by her appointment, many whose timidity 
magnified her power, clung to her authority, and as the 
crisis approached, declared themselves her adherents. 
These were denominated tories ; the friends of liberty, 
whigs — names by which the advocates of arbitrary powex, 
and the friends of constitutional liberty, were distinguished 
in England. 

26. General Gage, who had been recer 
govcrni/r of MassacImseTi?«» withdrew, from I 

N 



146 REVOLUTION. [1775. 

the continent, siBveral regiments of troops, and encamped 
them on the common, in Boston. He afterwards erected 
fortifications on the Neck, a narrow isthmus which unites 
the town with the main land ; and on the night of the first 
of September, he seized the powder deposited in the pro- 
vincial arsenal at Cambridge. 

27. The people, meanwhile, were not idle. They ap- 
pointed delegates to a provincial congress, which as- 
sembled in the beginning of October. Mr. Hancock was 
chosen presideiit, and the delegates resolved, that, for the 
defence of the province, a military force, to consist of ona 
fourth of the militia, should be organized and stand ready 
to march at a minute's warning; that money should be 
raised to purchase military stores ; and they appointed a 
committee of supplies, and a committee of safety, to sit 
during the recess. 

28. The more southern provinces, particularly Pennsyl- 
vania, Virginia, and Maryland, displayed the same love of 
liberty and determination to resist ; provincial congresses 
were convened, committees appointed, and resolutions 
passed, designed and adapted to animate those who, in 
Massachusetts, stood in the post of danger, and to excite 
in all hearts that devotion to country which is alone 
capable of sustaining a people in an arduous struggle with 
a superior foe. 

29. In the parliament of Great Britain, American 
affairs came on to be discussed, in the beginning of the 
year 1775. Several plans of conciliation were brought 
forward by the opposition and rejected ; but one, proposed 
by lord North, the prime minister, was adopted. The 
purport of it was, that if any colony would engage to 
contribute a smn satisfactory to his majesty, for the com- 
mon defence, the parliament would forbear to tax that 
colony, so long as the contribution was punctually paid. 
This plan conceded nothing. To weaken the colonies by 
dividing them was so evidently the object, that all in- 
dignantly spurned the proffered terms. 

30. In connection with this conciliatory proposition, as 
it was called, measures of punishment and intimidation 
were adopted. The northern colonies were prohibited 
from fishing on the banks of Newfoundland, additio'ial 
restrictions were imposed upon the trade of all of them, 
and several ships of the line, and ten thousand troops, 
"•—'" r.^.v,f to Axj'.orica. 

debates in parUaraen':, the friends of the 



1775.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 14 

colonies, althongh few, were animated in their praise and 
eloquent in thtyi defence. The adherents of the ministry 
indulged in the rtrossest abuse and ridicule. The Ameri- 
cans, they said, were naturally cowards, habitually lazy, 
ard constitutionally feeble ; they were incapable of disci- 
pline ; and a small force would be sufficient to conquer 
them. This ignorance of their character, which was 
general throughout England, doubtless caused the ministry 
to persist in measures which, had their information been 
correct, they would never have ventured to undertake. 

32. On the evening of the 18th of April, general Gage 
despatched from Boston a body of eight hundred troops, to 
destroy a quantity of provisions and military stores de- 
posited, by the committee of supplies, at Concord. Intel- 
ligence of this movement was sent to Lexington and 
Concord a few hours before the troops embarked. The 
ringing of bells and the firing of signal gims brought the 
minute-men together. Early the next morning, those of 
Lexington assembled on the green near the meeting-house. 
A few minutes afterwards, the advanced body of the regu- 
lars approached within musket shot. Major Pitcairn, 
riding forward, exclaimed, " Disperse, you rebels, throw 
down your arms and disperse." Not being instantly 
obeyed, he discharged his pistol and ordered his men to 
fire. They fired and killed several. The militia dispersed ; 
but the firing continued. In the whole, eight were killed, 
some of whom were shot in their concealment behind the 
fences. 

33. The detachment proceeded to Concord. The minute- 
men of that town had also assembled ; but, being few in 
number, they retired on the approach of the regulars. 
These entered the town and destroyed the provisions and 
stores. The minute-men were reinforced and advanced 
again towards the regulars. A skirmish, ensued, in which 
captain Davis, of Acton, was killed. The British troops 
were compelled to retreat, leaving behind them several 
killed and wounded. 

34. The whole country was now in arms, and the troops 
retreated with precipitation. The militia not only pressed 
upon their rear, but placed themselves singly behind trees 
and stone walls, and, from these secure coverts, fired upon 
them as they passed. At Lexington they met a reinforce- 
ment under lord Percy, which general Gage had despatched 
on receiving information of the occurrences there iu the 
morning. 



tm REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1775» 

35. After resting a moment, the whole body proceeded 
towards Boston. In their progress they were more and 
more harassed by the provincials, whose number hourly 
increased, and who became in proportion more adventurous. 
Having an intimate knowledge of all the roads, they couLi 
pursue with less fatigue, and meet the enemy unexpectedly 
at the various windings ; and being all experienced marks- 
men, their shots seldom failed of effect. At sunset, the 
regulars, almost overcome with fatigue, passed along 
Charlestown Neck, and found, on Bunker's Hill, a place 
of security and repose. 

36. In this engagement, sixty-five of the royal forces 
were killed, one hundred and eighty wounded, and twenty- 
eight made prisoners. Of the provincials, fifty were kiJled, 
thirty-four were wounded, and four were missing. The 
killed were lamented and honored as the first martyrs in 
the cause of liberty. In the various sections of country 
from which they came, hatred of Great Britain took still 
deeper root ; and New-England, connected more than any 
other part of the world, as one great family, by the closest 
intimacy of all the inhabitants, universally felt the depri- 
vation with a mixed feeling of sorrow and rage. 

37. Intelligence of the battle of Lexington spread rapidly 
through Massachusetts, and the adjoining provinces. The 
farmer left his plough in the furrow, the mechanic dropped 
the utensil in his hand, and seizing their arms, all hastened 
to the environs of Boston. In a few days, a large army 
was assembled, which, under the command of general 
Ward, of Massachusetts, and general Putnam, of Connect 
ticut, closely invested the town, and alarmed general Gage 
for the safety of his garrison. 

38. In the remoter provinces, the intelligence was con^ 
sidered of solemn and alarming import. Tlie great drama 
was opened, and th»5 part which each should take must 
immediately be chosen. By many a resort to arms had 
never been anticipated. To them, the decision was more 
painful; but all the colonies, except Georgia, adopted at 
once the heroic resolution to unite their fortunes with 
those of New-England. 

39. Connecticut had poured forth her full proportion of 
hardy yeomanry to man the lines around Boston ; but 
several, who remained at home, conceived the project of 
surprising Ticonderoga, a fortified post on the western 
sliore of Lake Champlain, and commanding the entrance 
into Canadii. They ooramnni^cated their design to colonel 



1775.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 153 

integrity, and his ardent attachment to the interests of his 
country. 

55. "The president addressing him in his seat, announced 
to him the choice which the congress had made. Wash- 
ington declared his acceptance with h diffidence which 
gave to his great talents a brighter lustre ; and assured 
congress that, as no pecuniary compensation could have 
tempted him to accept tlie office, at the sacrifice of his 
domestic ease and happiness, he would receive no pay, and 
would ask only the remuneration of his expenses. Arte- 
mas Ward, Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Put- 
nam, were then chosen major-generals, and Horatio Gates 
adjutant-general. Lee had lately held the office of colonel, 
and Gates that of major, in the British army. 

56. Congress also resolved that, for defraying the ex- 
penses which might be incurred, bills of credit, or paper 
money, to the amount of three millions of dollars, should 
be issued, and pledged the colonies for their redemption. 
A solemn and dignified declaration, setting forth the 
causes and necessity of taking up arms, was prepared to 
be published to the army in orders, and to the people from 
the pulpit. After particularizing the aggressions of Great 
Britain, with the energy of men feeling unmerited injury, 
they exclaim : 

57. " But why should we enumerate our injuries in de- 
tail 1 By one statute it is declared that parliament can of 
right make laws to bind us in all cases whatsoever. What 
is to defend us against so enormous, so unlimited a power? 
Not a single man of those who assume it, w^as chosen by 
us, or i» ""subject to our control or influence ; but, on the 
contrary, they are all of them exempt from the operation 
of such laws, and an American revenue, if not diverted 
from the ostensible purposes for Avhich it is raised, would 
actually lighten their own burdens, in proportion as it in- 
creases ours. We saw the misery to which such desfjot- 
ism would reduce us. We, for ten years, incessantly and 
ineffectually besieged the throne as supplicants; we rea- 
soned, we remonstrated with parliament in the most mild 
and decent language. 

58. " We are now reduced to the alternative of choosing 
an unconditional submission to the will of irritated minis- 
ters, or resistance by force. The latter is our choic , 
We have counted the cost of this contest, and find nothing 
so dreadful as voluntary slavery. Honor, justice, ana 
huma jty liri-id us tainelv to surrender that ireedom which 



154 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1775. 

we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our 
innocent posterity have a right to receive from us. We 
cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning succeeding 
generations to that^vretchedness which inevitably awaits 
them if we basely entail hereditary bondage upon them. 

59. "Our cause is just; our union is perfect. Our 
internal resources are great ; and, if necessary, foreign 
assistance is undoubtedly attainable. We gratefully ac- 
knowledge, as a signal instance of the divine favor towards 
us, that his providence would not permit us to be called 
into this severe controversy, until we were grown up to 
our present strength, had been previously exercised in war- 
like operations, and possessed the means of defending 
ourselves. 

60. " Withhearts fortified by these animating reflections, 
we most solemnly, before God and the world, declare, that 
exerting the utmost energy of those powers, which cur 
beneficent Creator hath graciously bestowed, the arms we 
have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, 
in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and 
perseverance, employ for the preservation of our liberties, 
being, with one mind, resolved to die freemen rather than 
to live slaves." 

6 1 . Soon after his election, general Washington, accom- 
panied by general Lee, and several other gentlemen, set 
out for the camp at Cambridge. In every place through 
which he passed, he received the highest honors. A com- 
mittee from the provincial congress of Massachusetts, met 
him at Springfield, and conducted him to head-quarters, 
where another committee presented him a respectful and 
affectionate address. 

62. He found the army, consisting of fourteen thousand 
men, posted on the heights around Boston, forming a line 
which extended from Roxbury on the right, to the river 
Mystic on the left, a distance of twelve miles. The 
troops were ardently devoted to the cause of liberty, but 
destitute of discipline, averse to subordination, without 
powder, without tents, and without most of the conveni- 
ences usually provided for regular armies. 

63. With the assistance of general Gates, he introduced 
some degree of regularity and system. Several barrels of 
powder were obtained from New- Jersey, and captain Manly, 
commander of the privateer Lee, captured an ordnance 
ship, containing arms, ammunition, and a complete assort- 
ment of such working tools as were most needed in the 



1776.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 155 

American camp. This providential capture was followed 
by others which supplied the most pressing wants of the 
army, enabled it to continue, through the year, the block- 
ade of Boston, and contributed greatly to distress the 
enemy, for whose use the cargoes were destined. 

64. Events occuring this year, in the southern colonies, 
still farther weakened the attachment of the people to 
Great Britain. In Virginia, Lord Dunmore, the governor, 
seized by night, some powder belonging to the colony, and 
conveyed it on board a British ship in James river. Intel- 
ligence of this transaction reaching Patrick Henry, he 
placed himself at the head of the independent companies 
in his vicinity, and marched towards the seat of govern- 
ment, with the avowed purpose of obtaining, by force, 
restitution of the powder, or its value. He was met by a 
messenger, who paid him the value of the powder, when 
he and the militia returned to their homes. 

65. Alarmed by this display of spirit and patriotism, 
lord Dunmore fortified his palace. From this castle, he 
issued a proclamation charging Henry and his associates 
with rebellious practices, which offended the people, who 
highly approved their conduct. Other causes increasing 
the popular ferment, he quitted his palace, and repaired to 
a ship of war then lying at YoiKtown. 

66. In November, he issued another proclamation, offer- 
ing freedom to those slaves belonging to rebel masters, who 
should join his majesty's troops at Yorktown. Several 
hundred, in conse<iuence, repaired to that place. A body 
of militia immediately assembled, and, while posted nea" 
the city, were attacked, with great bravery, by the regulars, 
royalists, and negroes. The militia, repelling the attack 
with equal bravery, gained a decisive victory. Lord Dun- 
more then evacuated the city, and, followed by his white 
and black forces, sought refuge on board the ships of his 
majesty. Soon after, Norfolk, set on fire by his order, was 
mostly consumed, and its destruction was completed by the 
provincials, to prevent the enemy from deriving supplies 
from that quarter. 

67. The governor of North-Carolina, following the ex- 
ample of lord Dunmore, fortified his palace at Newbern. 
This caused a conrmiotion among the people, which induced 
him to retire on board a ship in the harbor. While there, 
he made zealous exertions to organize a party in favor of 
the royal cause ; and a band of Scotch Highlanders, settled 
in the interior coi:ntry, listened to his persuasions. On 



156 REV^OLUTIONARY WAR. [1775. 

their march to tlie sea coast, they were met by a party of 
militia, wiio attacked and dispersed them. This early 
victory secured the predominance of the whigs, and crushed 
the hopes and spirits of the lories. 

68. South-Carolina had always, with great unanimity 
and zeal, resisted parliamentary taxation : and soon after 
the battle of Lexington, the governor, lord William Camp- 
bell, apprehensive of danger to his person, retired from 
the province. In July, Georgia chose delegates to the 
continental congress, increasing to thirteen the number 

of the UNITED COLONIES. 

69. The province of New- York contained many warm 
advocates for freedom ; bat its capital had so long been 
the head-quarters of the British army in America, that 
many of the principal inhabitants, having contracted inti- 
mate relations wnth British officers, had become devoted 
to the royal cause. The assembly, acting under their influ- 
ence, declined to choose delegates to the continental con- 
gress held in May, 1775 ; but the people, a majority of 
whom were actuated by different feelings, elected a pro- 
vincial congress, by whom those delegates were chosen. 

70. When intelligence of the battle of Lexington reach- 
ed the city, captain Sears, an active and intrepid leader of 
the " sons of liberty," took eifectual measures to prevent 
vessels bound to ports in Amerca, where the royal cause 
prevailed, from sailing. An association was also formed, 
consisting of one thousand of the principal inhabitants, 
w^ho bound themselves to assist in carrying into execution 
whatever measure might be recommended, by the conti- 
nental congress, to prevent the execution of the oppressive 
acts of the British parliament. 

71. The ministry, desirous of retaining in obedience 
this important colony, appointed Mr. Tryon, to be governor 
over it. He had before filled the same office ; was a man 
of address, and greatly beloved by the people. He came 
fiilly empowered to gain adherents by dispensing promises 
and money at his discretion. The success of his intrigiies 
alarmed congress, who, having particular reference to him, 
recommended that " all persons whose going at large might 
endanger the liberties of America, should be arrested and 
secured." Gaining early intelligence of this, he also 
sought refuge on board a ship in the harbor. 

"72. Although the autumn of 1775 was not distinguished 
by any brilliant ex5)loit, yet the time of congress and of 
the connnaader-ia-chief, was not unnrofilabiy eniployed. 



1776.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 157 

Constant attention was paid to the discipline of the troops ; 
arrangements were made to obtain a supply of military 
stores ; the building and equipment of a naval Ibrce was 
commenced ; two expeditions were organized and des- 
patched against Canada, one by the way of lake Champlain, 
the other of tlie river Kennebeck ; and general Lee, with 
twelve hundred volunteers from Connecticut, was directed 
to proceed to New- York, and, with the aid of the inhabi- 
tants, fortify the city and the highlands. 

73. The abolition of all legal authority in the colonies 
was an evil for which, though less than had been antici- 
pated, it was yet expedient to provide a remedy. New- 
Hampshire applied to congress for advice on this subject. 
A favorable opportunity was thus presented to the zealous 
patriots in congress, to propose a remedy for the evil, 
which should, at the same time, exhibit in practice the 
fundamental principle of their political creed, that all 
legitimate authority must be derived from the people ; and 
should also prepare the way for their darling object, a 
declaration of independence. 

74. A resolution was introduced, recommending that a 
convention of representatives, freely elected- by the people 
of that colony, should be called, for the purpose of estab- 
lishing such a form of government as they might deem 
proper. It was warmly opposed by those members wiio 
were yet desirous of an accommodation with the mother 
country. An amendment being made, providing that the 
government established should continue in force no longer 
than the existing contest with Great Britain, the resolu- 
tion passed. Representatives were accordingly chosen, 
who, on the 5th of January, 1776, adopted a written con- 
stitution, acknowledging no source of power but the peo- 
ple. In other colonies, the same course was soon after- 
wards pursued. 

75. A transaction, displa)dng the vindictive feelings of 
the British, occurred in October. The ministry had issued 
orders to the officers of the navy to proceed, as in the 
case of actual rebellion, against all the colonial seaports 
accessible to ships of war, which should discover symp- 
toms of attachment to the cause of liberty. Falmouth, a 
flourishing town in Massachusetts, having given some'' 
particular offence, its destruction, imder color of these 
orders, was resolved on, and captain Mowatt, with four 
ships, was despatched on that service. -' 

76. The citizens made an efTnrt, by negotiation, to avert 

o 



158 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1776. 

their ruin ; but as the terms which were ojffered could not 
be accepted without dishonor, they were at once rejected. 
The bombardment immediately commenced, the town was 
set on fire, and four hundred buildings reduced to ashes. 
This wanton act of devastation was strongly reprobated 
throughout America, and served to inflame, rather than to 
intimidate, the people. The town has since been rebuilt, 
its name changed to Portland, and it is now the capital of 
Maine. 

77. As the year 1775 drew near to a close, the condition 
of the army, employed in the blockade of Boston, engaged 
the attention of congress. A speedy adjustment of the 
dispute being at first expected, the men had been enlisted 
to serve only until the first of January. No prospect now 
appeared of an immediate accommodation. It was there- 
fore resolved to form a new army, to consist of twenty 
thousand men, and to be raised, as far as practicable, from 
the troops then in service. Unfortunately it was deter- 
mined, that the enlistments should he made for one year 
only, an error the consequences of wliich were afterwards 
very severely felt, 

78. It was supposed that most of those whom patriotism 
had impelled to join the army, would continue in the 
service of their country; but when the experiment was 
made, it was found that their ardor had considerably 
abated. The blockade of Boston presented no opportunity 
of acquiring glory, by deeds of noble daring ; the fatiguing 
duties of the cam.p wore upon their spirits, affected their 
health, and produced an unconquerable longing to revisit 
their homes. Notwithstanding the great exertions of 
general Washington, no more than half the estimated 
number had been enlisted at the close of the year. 

79. The people and the troops, supposing the army to 
be stronger than it was, expressed great dissatisfaction at 
the inactivity of the conunander-in-chief, which some 
imputed to dishonorable motives. An attack upon Boston 
was loudly demanded. Washington three times proposed 
it to a council of war ; but in every instance the decision 
was unanimous against it. At the last time, however, the 
council recommended that the town should be more closely 
invested. On the evening of the fourth of March 1776, 
the attention of the enemy being diverted, by a brisk 
cannonade, to a different quarter, a party of troops, under 
the command of general Thomas, took possession, in 
silence, of Dorchester heights, and with almost incredible 



1775.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 159 

industry, erected, before morning, a line of fortiflcationa 
wliich commanded the harbor and the town. 

80. The view of these works, raised like an exhalation 
from the earth, excited the astonishment of general Howe, 
who, on the resignation of general Gage, had been appoint- 
ed commander-in-chief. He saw that he must immediately 
dislodge the Americans or evacuate the town. The n©«t 
day he ordered 3000 men to embark in boats and proceeded, 
by way of Castle Island, to attack the works on the 
heights. A furious storm dispersed them; the fortifica- 
tions, in the mean time, were rendered too strong to be 
forced ; and general Howe was compelled to seek safety 
in an immediate departure from Boston. 

81. Of the determination of the enemy to evacuate the 
town, general Washington was soon apprized. The event 
being certain, he did not v^dsh by an attack to hasten it, as 
the fortifications at New- York, to which place he pre- 
sumed they would repair, were not in sufficient forwardness 
to protect it. The embarkation was made on the 17th of 
March ; a few days after, the whole fleet set sail, and the 
American army hastened, by divisions, to New- York. 

82. The acquisition of this important town occasioned 
great and general rejoicing. The thanks of congress were 
voted to general W^ashington and his troops, for their wise 
and spirited conduct, a medal of gold was ordered to be 
struck in commemoration of the event. The British fleet, 
instead of conveying the troops to New- York, steered for 
Halifax, having on board a large number of tories and 
their baggage. 



3h 

" CHAPTER XVII. 

EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. 

It has been already stated, that two expeditions were 
despatched against Canada. The command of that, which 
was to proceed ty way of lake Champlain, was given to 
general Schuyler of New-York. The number of troops 
to be employed was fixed at three thousand, and they were 
to be drawn from New- York and New-England. Gover- 
nor Carleton, gaining intelligence of the project, despatched 
about eight hundred men to strengthen the works at St. 



1^0 REVOLimONARY WAR. [1776. 

Johns, on the river Sorel, a position commanding the usa^dl 
entrance into Canada. 

2. Brigadier general Montgomery, a young officer of 
brilliant talents, and ambitious of glory, was ordered to 
proceed in advance, with the troops, then in readiness, and 
attack this important position, before it had been made too 
strong to be taken. When commencing hie career, the 
glory and fate of Wolfe were present to his thoughts, and 
to his wife his parting words were, " you ahall never blush 
for your Montgomery." General Schuyler soon followed, 
and on arriving at Isle aux Noix, in the vicinity of the 
British works, he addressed a proclamation to the Cana- 
dians, exhorting them to join their brethren in the cause of 
freedom, and declaring that the American army came as 
friends of the inhabitants, and as enemies only of the 
British garrisons. 

3. The fortifications at St. Johns being found stronger 
than was anticipated, general Schuyler returned to Albany 
to hasten the departure of the remaining troops, artillery, 
and munitions of war. He was prevented, by a severe 
illness, from again joining the army, and the chief com- 
mand devolved upon Montgomery. On receiving a reinforce- 
ment, he invested St. Johns : but being yet almost destitute 
of battering 6annon and of powder, he made no progress 
in the siege. And the soldiers, carrying with them into 
the field that attachment to liberty and equality which 
gave birth to the contest, displayed such utter aversion to 
discipline and subordination as increased, in a great degree, 
his difficulties and vexations. 

4. Colonel Allen, the hero of Ticonderoga, had a com- 
mand under Montgomery. Having been despatched, with 
major Brown, into the interior of Canada, he was, on his 
return, persuaded by the latter to undertake the rash pro- 
ject of attacking Montreal. He divided his detachment, 
consisting of less than three hundred men, into two 
parties, intending to assail the city at opposite points. 
Major Brown was prevented from executing his part of the 
enterprise. Colonel Allen and his small party, opposed by 
the whole force of the enemy under governor Carleton, 
fought with desperate valor. Many were killed ; the sur- 
vivers, overpowered by numbers, were compelled to sur- 
render. The governor, viewing Allen, not as the intrepid 
soldier, but as a factious rebel, loaded Mm with irons and 
sent him to England for trial. 



1775.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 161 

5. On the 18th of October, a fortunate event brighten-v 
ed the prospects of the Americans. Fort Chamblee, 
situated several miles north of St. Johns, was supposed 
to be beyond their reach, and was but slightly guarded. A 
detachment under majors Brown and Livingston, attacking 
it unexpectedly, gained possession of it with little loss. 
Several pieces of cannon, and 120 barrels of powder, were 
the fruits of the victory. The Americans, encouraged by 
success, immediately, in defiance of the continual fire of 
the enemy, erected a battery near fort St. Johns, and 
made preparations for a severe cannonade, and an assault, 
if necessary. 

6. At this juncture, Montgomery received intelligence 
of an . action between governor Carleton and a body of 
Green Mountain boys commanded by colonel Warner. 
The former, elated by his victory over Allen, collected 
about eight hundred regulars, militia, and Indians, with the 
view of raising the siege of St. Johns. In full confidence 
of success, they left Montreal, embarked in boats, jmd 
proceeded towards the southern shore of the St. Law- 
rence. In the bushes at the water's edge colonel Warner, 
having received information of their purpose, concealed 
three hifhdred men, who, when the enemy approached the 
shore, poured upon them a fire so unexpected and destruc- 
tive, that the flotilla returned, in confusion, to Montreal. 

7. On the first of November, Montgomery commenced 
a heavy connonade of the enemy's works, which was 
continued through the day. In the evening, he sent to 
the British commander, by one of governor Carleton's 
men, who had been made prisower by coionel Warner, in- 
telligence of the governor's defeat, and demanded the 
surrender of the fort. It v/as accordingly surrendered, 
and the next morning entered by the Anierican troops. 

8. Montgomery hastened to Montreal, and, at the same 
time, despatched down the Sorel, the mouth of which is 
below that city, a naval force to prevent the escape of the 
British to Quebec. Governor Carleton,believingthe city not 
tenable, quitted it in the night, and, in a boat with muflled 
oars, was conveyed through the American squadron. The 
next day, general Montgomery entered the city, and although 
no terms were granted to the inhabitants, he treated them 
with the kindness of a fellow citizen, declaring that the 
property, rights, and religion of every individual should be 
sacredly respected. 

9. By his benevolence and address, he gained the affec- 

O 2 



IG2 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, [r/75 

tions of the Canadians, many of whom joined his standard. 
More, however, of his own troops, whose term of enlist- 
ment had expired, insisted on returning to their homes. 
So dear to them were the delights of the domestic fireside, 
and so vividly were the> recalled to memory by the severe 
duties of the campaign, that the high character of the com- 
mander, his address, his entreaties, availed nothing to in- 
duce them to proceed on the expedition. With the remnant 
of his army, consisting of no more than three hundred men, 
he began his march towards Quebec, expecting to meet 
there another body of troops sent to act in concert with him. 

10. These troops were a detachment from the army before 
Boston, consisting of one thousand men, and commanded 
by colonel Arnold ; who, as a soldier, was adventurous, 
impetuous, and fearless ; as a man, overbearing, avaricious, 
and profligate. Their route lay along the coast to the 
mouth of the Kennebec, in Maine, thence up that river to 
its source, and thence, over lofty mountains, through a 
wilderness unexplored by civilized man, to the river St. 
Laurence. They were unable to begin their march before 
the middle of September; on the 22d, they embarked in 
boats, at Gardner, on the Kennebec, and proceeded to 
ascend that river. « ^ 

11. They found the current rapid, and the navigation 
interrupted by frequent cataracts. Around these they 
were obliged to draw, by hand, their provisions, arms, and 
even their boats. Nor was their route on land less diffi- 
cult. They had deep svsTamps to pass, and craggy moun- 
tains to ascend. The toil was so incessant, and the fatigue 
so great, that many, falling sick, were sent back, and along 
with these the rear division, commanded by colonel Enos, 
returned without the knowledge of Arnold. 

12. Before they reached the height of land, provisions 
became scarce. Dogs, cartridge-boxes, and shoes were 
eaten. At the summit, the whole stock was divided 
equally among them, each receiving but two quarts of 
flour as his portion. The erder of march was r.o longer 
observed. The soldiers were directed to proceed, singly 
or by companies, as they might choose, slowly or with 
speed, as they were able, to the nearest Canadian settle- 
ment, then one hundred miles distant. When the com- 
pany, whose superior strength enabled them to keep in 
advance, were thirty miles from any human habitatian, 
the last morsel of food had been consumed. 

13. In this exfaemity, Arnold, with a few of the most 



1775.] EEVOLUTIONARY WAR, 163 

vigorous, made a forced march to the first village, and 
returned to his almost famished companions, with food 
sufficient to satisfy the first wants of nature. Refreshed 
and strengthened, they hastened forward, and, on the fourth 
of November, arrived at the French settlements on the 
Chaudiere, having bren thirty-two days without seeing 
the abodes of civilized man ; and having, in that time, per- 
formed a march unexampled for its temerity and hardship. 

14. The inhabitants welcomed them with cordial hos- 
pitality. Though separated, in a great measure, from the 
world, they had heard of the dispute between Great Britain 
and her colonies, and as the very name of liberty is dear 
to tlie heart of man, their sympathies were all enlisted on 
the side of the latter. Arnold distributed proclamations 
among them similar to those issued by general Schuyler. 
As soon as the scattered soldiers were assembled, he con- 
tinued his march, and, on the ninth of November, arrived 
at Point Levi, opposite Quebec. 

1 5. Nothing could exceed the surprise and astonishment 
of the citizens on seeing a body of hostile troops, emerging 
from the southern wilderness. Had Arnold, at this mo- 
ment of panic, been able to cross the river, tlie city must 
have fallen an easy conquest ; but boats were not at hand, 
and a furious storm, occurring at the time, rendered cross- 
ing impossible. 

Hi. Having procured boats, and the stonn having abated, 
he crossed the river on the night of the 13th, and landed 
near the place where Wolfe had landed in the preceding 
waf. Mounting the same steep ascent, he 'brmed his 
troops on the plains of Abraham, and marched towards 
the city. Convinced, by a cannonade from the walls, that 
the garrison were ready to receive him, he returned, en- 
camped on the plain, and on the 18th marched to Point 
aux Trembles, twenty miU^s from Quebec, where ha 
determined to await the arrival of Montgomery. 

17. He came on the first of December. How great was 
the joy, and how lively the gratulations, they only can 
imagine, who, after long absence a">d suffering, have met, 
in a foreign land, their friends and former companions. 
Arnold's troops had, indeed, ^reat cause of rejfJicing. 
They were entirely destitute ol winter clothing, and had 
endured extreme distress from the severity of the cold. 
Montgomery had brought a supply from Montreal, which 
he immediately distributed among them. 

18. Their iinited force amounted to no moro than nine 



164 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1779. 

hundred effective men. On the fifth, the general, at the 
head of these, appeared before the city, and sent a flag 
with a summons to surrender. The delay which had taken 
place, had enabled governor Carleton to increase the 
strength of the works, and to change the sentiments of 
the citizens from friendship for the Americans, to hostility 
He ordered his troops to fire upon the bearer of the flag. 

19. Montgomery soon discovered the defection of his 
friends, and perceived that he must depend upon his own 
force alone for the accomplishment of his object. When 
he compared this force with that of the enemy, who were 
fifteen hundred strong ; when he reflected that his troops 
were recent levies whose term was nearly expired, and 
whose thoughts were fixed upon their homes, his hopes 
of success became faint, and his forebodings gloomy. He 
believed, however, that success was possible, and his high 
sense of honor and of duty impelled him to hazard every 
thing to obtain it for his country. 

20. He at first determined to batter the walls, and 
harass the city, by repeated and furious attacks, hoping 
that an opportunity might occur of striking some decisive 
blow. He raised a mound, composed of snow and water, 
which soon became ice, and there planted his cannons, 
six only in number. After a short trial, they were found 
inadequate, and this plan Avas abandoned. 

21. Meanwhile, the snow fell incessantly, the cold 
became intense, and the sufferings of the troops, from the 
rigor of the season and their continual toil, surpassed all 
tbat they had ever before felt, or witnessed, or imagined. 
To increase their distress, the small pox broke out in the 
camp, presenting death in a new shape, and adding to the 
severity of their labors, by lessening the number to bear 
them. In the midst of these trials, their attachment 
to the cause, and devotion to their commander remained 
unabated ; but these, he reflected, must soon give way 
before such severe and constant sufl'ering ; and for him- 
self, he determined to make immediately a bold and des- 
perate effort. 

22. Assembling his officers, he proposed to storm the 
city. He placed before them the motives which operated 
upon his own mind. He did nut deny that the enterprise 
was highly difficult and dangerous, but maintained that 
success was possible. He addressed a band of heroes 
whose sentiments were congenial with his own, and the 
(deaision was unanimous in favor of his proposition. The 



1775.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. ie« 

plan and time of attack were concerted, and to each officei 
was assigned his particular duty. 

23. On the last day of December, at four o'clock in th» 
morning, while a violent snow storm was raging, the troops 
marched from the camp in four columns, commanded by 
Montgomery, Arnold, Livingston, and Brown. The two 
latter were directed to make feigned attacks upon the 
upper town, in order to distract the attention of the garri- 
son ; while the two former proceeded to assault the lower 
town at opposite points. 

24. Livingston and Brown, impeded by the snow, did 
not arrive in season to execute their feints. Montgomery, 
advancing, at the head of his column, along the bank of 
the river, came to a barrier or stockade of strong posts. 
Two of these he sawed off with his own hands. The 
guard within were alarmed, and fled to a block-house, fifty 
yards di tant, where several pieces of cannon were sta- 
tioned. He passed through the opening in the barrier, 
encouraging his men to follow. The troops at the block- 
house, to whom the guard had communicated their terror, 
began to desert it. 

25. At this moment, Montgomery halted, to allow the 
troops near him to form in a body. Observing this delay, 
a Canadian, who lingered behind, returned to the block- 
house, seized a match which was burning, and discharged 
a cannon loaded with grape shot, and fortuitously pointed 
at the little band. The discharge was instantly fatal to 
Montgomery, and to several favorite officers standing 
around him. The men, seeing their beloved leader fall, 
shrunk back ; colonel Campbell, the next in command, 
ordered a retreat, and that portion of the garrison stationed 
at the block-house, was left at liberty to hasten to another 
part of the city, already in commotion from the attack of 
Arnold. 

2G. This officer, marching, like Montgomery, at the 
head of his column, had entered the town. Advancing 
along a narrow street, which was swept by the grape shot 
of the enemy, he received a severe wound in the leg, and 
was carried to the hospital. Captain Morgan, afterwards 
distinguished by his exploits at the south, assumed the 
command. Placing himself at the head of two companies, 
he boldly approached the enemy's works, and entering 
through the embrasures, drove the men from their guns. 

37. Here he halted until the rear of the column came 
up. When time was given for reflection, the danger of 



166 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1775* 

their situation, a email band in the heart of a hostile city, 
filled even the bosoms of the braye with dread. Morgan 
retained his firmness ; and when the morning dawned, 
with a voice that resounded through the city, summoned 
his troops to the assault of a second battery, a short 
distance in advance of the first. 

28. Before this, a fierce combat ensued. Many of the 
enemy were killed, but more Americans, who were ex- 
posed to a destructive fire of musketry from the windows 
of the houses. Some of the most daring mounted the 
wall, but, seeing, on the other side, two ranlcs of soldiers, 
with their muskets on the ground, presenting hedges of 
bayonets to receive them, should they leap forward, they 
recoiled and descended. 

29. Weary with exertion, and benumbed with cold; 
exposed to a deadly fire from every quarter ; their arms 
rendered useless by the snoAV which continued to fall, the 
soldiers sought refuge in the houses. Perceiving that 
all farther attempts would be vain, Morgan gave the signal 
of retreat. Some of the men fled, but most were unwilling 
to encounter another tempest of shot. They refused, 
however, to yield, until assured of the fate of Montgome- 
ry ; when, loosing all hope of success and escape, they 
surrendered themselves prisoners of war. 

30. The loss of the Americans, in this desperate enter- 
prise, was above four hundred, of whom one hundred and 
fifty were killed. The whole continent bewailed the 
death of Montgomery. He was conspicuous, even in those 
times of enthusiasm, for his ardent devotion to the cause 
of freedom. He was endeared to the good, by the exer- 
cise, in the midst of war, of the most amiable virtues. His 
soldiers adored him for his lofty spirit and daring bravery. 
The enemy respected him for his honorable conduct, and 
distinguished military qualities. Until his last enterprise, 
continual success bore testimony to the greatness of his 
talents ; and defeat, when he was no more, confirmed the 
testimony of success. Congress resolved, that a monu- 
ment should be erected to perpetuate his fame. It lives 
yet fresh in the memory of Americans. In 1818, New- 
York, his adopted state, removed his remains from Quebec 
to her own metropolis, wfiere the monument had been 
placed, and near that they ref)ose. 

31. Some of the Americans, on their escape from 
Quebec, retreatecT precipitately to Montreal. Arnold, with 
diificulty, detained about four hundred, who, breaking UQ 



1776.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 167 

their camp, retired three miles from the city. Here this 
heroic baud, though much inferior in number to the garri- 
son, kept it in continual awe, and, by preventing all com- 
munication with the country, reduced it to great distress 
for the want of provisions. 

3'2. Congress, on receiving information of the disaster 
of the 31st of December, directed reinforcements to be 
sent to Canada; and after the beginning of March, Arnold's 
party was almost daily augmented by the arrival of small 
bodies of troops. But its strength did not increase with 
its numbers. The small-pox still continued its ravages ; 
fatigue^ without hope, depressed the spirits of the soldiers ; 
the difficulty of obtaining provisions became every day 
greater ; and the harsh measures adopted by Arnold to 
procure them, exasperated the inhabitants around him. 

33. On the first of May, general Thomas, who had 
been appointed to succeed Montgomery, arrived from the 
camp at Roxbury. On reviewing his army, he found it to 
consist of less than two thousa^ men,|tf whom half were 
not fit for duty. A council of wkr was Weld, who resolved 
that it was expedient to take a more defensible position 
higher up the St. Lawrence. To this decision they were 
led by the knowledge that the ice was leaving the river, 
and by the expectation that reinforcements from England 
would immediately come up. The next morning, in fact, 
while the Americans were engaged in removing the sick, 
several ships appeared in sight, and entered the harbor. A 
multitude of troops were inunediately poured into the city. 

34. At one o'clock, Carleton made a sortie at the head 
of a thousand men. Against these, general Thomas, at 
that moment, could oppose but three hundred. All the 
stores, and many of the sick, fell into the power of the 
enemy. The latter were treated, by the governor, with 
great tenderness ; and w^hen restored to health, were 
assisted to return to their homes. The Americans re- 
treated to the mouth of the Sorel, where they were joined 
by several regiments, and where their worthy commander 
died of the small-pox, which yet prevailed in the camp. 

35. While patriotism and valor were, in this quarter, 
unsuccessfully contending with a superior force, the 
Americans sustained a heavy and unexpected calamity, 
resulting from cowardice, in another. At a fortified place, 
called the Cedars^ forty miles above Montreal, colonel 
Bedell was stationed with four hundred men, and two 
pieces of cannon. Assembling a force of six hundred. 



168 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, [1775. 

mostly Indian warriors, captain Foster, who commanded 
at Oswegatchie, descended the river to attack this post. 

36. Colonel Bedell, leaving major Butterfield in com- 
mand, repaired to Montreal to obtain assistance. Shortly 
afterwards, captain Foster appeared, and invested the 
fort. He had no artillery, and in the course of two days, 
but one man was wounded. More efficient than his arms,- 
was the intimation, that if any of the Indians should be 
killed, it would not be in his power to restrain them from 
the massacre of the garrison. Intimidated by this, major 
Butterfield surrendered his whole party prisoners of war, 
stipulating only for their baggage and their lives. 

37. Upon the representation of colonel Bedell, a rein- 
forcement was ordered to march from Montreal; but he 
declined returning with it, and the command was given 
to major Sherburne. The day after the surrender of the 
fort, of which event the major was ignorant, and about 
four miles from it, he was met by a large body of Indians^ 
to whom, after an obstinate and bloody conflict, he was 
obliged to surrender. The whole loss of the Americans 
was at least five hundred. 

38. General Sullivan was appointed to succeed general 
Thomas, and on the first of June, arrived at the river 
Sorel, where he found between four and five thousand 
men. But the army of the enemy had, in the mean time, 
been augmented to thirteen thousand. Commanding a 
force so decidedly superior, governor Carleton pressed 
forward in pursuit, and the Americans retreated slowly 
and reluctantly before him. At St. Johns, the pursuit 
ceased; but general Sullivan, in obedience to orders from 
general Schuyler, continued his march to Crown Point, 
at the head of Lake Champlain. 

39. Thus terminated the expedition against Canada. 
In its conception it was singularly bold and romantic. In 
its progress were displayed fortitude and bravery seldom 
equalled in military annals. Its failure was a painful 
disappointment to tiie patriots of the day. It is now 
consoling to reflect, that success would probably have 
proved injurious to the cause of independence. To pro- 
tect the province, the military force of the confederacy 
must have been too much extended, and colonies ra,or8 
important have been left defenceless. 



CHAPTER XVIIl. 
CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 

The last humble petition of congress to the king was 
presented by JMr. Penn, the late governor of Pennsylvania. 
A few days afterwards, he was told, by the minister that 
no answer would be made to it. The haughty spirit, 
which dictated this reply, pervaded both houses of par- 
liament. 

2. In December, a law was passed amounting to a 
declaration of war against the colonies. Treaties were 
made with the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel and other 
German princes, hiring of them seventeen thousand men, 
to be employed against the Americans ; and it was deter- 
mined to send over, in addition to these, twenty-five 
thousand English troops. 

3. In the beginning of the year 1776, a fleet under Sir 
Peter Parker, and two thousand five hundred troops 
commanded by earl Cornwallis, were despatched upon an 
expedition against the southern colonies. Soon after, ad- 
miral Hotham set sail with a large number of transports, 
carrying the first division of Hessians ; and, in May, fol- 
lowed admiral lord Howe, who had been appointed com- 
mander of the naval force on the American station. He, 
and his brother, general Howe, had also been appointed 
ioint commissioners to grant pardons on submission. 

4. On the first of May, the fleet, under Sir Peter Par- 
ker, arrived on the coast of North-Carolina, where Sir 
Henry Clinton, arriving at the same time from New- York, 
took command of the troops. The late defeat of the 
highland emigrants had so dispirited the loyalists in this 
colony, that he determined to proceed farther south, and 
attack Charleston, the capital of South-Carolina. 

5. Fortunately, an oflicial letter, announcing the speedy 
departure of the expedition from England, had been inter- 
cepted early in the spring, and tune was thus given to 
place this city in a state of defence. A strong fort was 
built on Sullivan's island, a position from which ships, 
on entering the harbor, could be greatly annoyed ; the 
streets, in different places, were strongly barricaded ; the 
stores on the wharves, though of great value, were pulled 
down, and lines of defence erected along the water's edge. 

6. On learning the near approach of the enemy, the 

p 



170 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1776. 

militia of the country were summoned to defend the cap« 
ital. They obeyed with alacrity, increasing to five or six 
thousand the number of troops. General Lee had beeo 
sent from New- York to take the chief command ; and his 
high military reputation gave confidence to the soldiers 
and inhabitants. Under him were colonels Gadsden, 
Moultrie, and Thompson. 

7. In the morning of the 28th of June, nine ships of 
war, carrying two hundred and fifty guns, began a furious 
attack upon the fort on the island, which was garrisoned 
by about four hundred men, under the command of colonel 
Moultrie. At the same time, a detachment of troops was 
landed on an adjoining island, and directed to cross over, 
at a place where the sea was supposed to be shallow, 
and attack it in the rear. 

8. The heavy and incessant fire of the enemy was 
received with coolness, and returned with skill. Many 
of their ships suffered severely, and particularly the Bris- 
tol, on board of which was commodore Parker. She was 
twice in ilames, her captain was killed, and so dreadful 
was the slaughter, that, at one time, the coimnodore was 
the only person upon deck unhurt. 

9. In the midst of the action, general Lee visited the 
garrison. He was delighted with the enthusiasm they 
exhibited. Nothing seemed capable of quenching their 
ardor. Soldiers, mortally wounded, exhorted their com- 
rades never to abandon the standard of liberty. " I die," 
said sergeant M'Donald, in his last moments, " for a 
glorious cause ; but I hope it will not expire with me." 

10. The British troops, destined to attack the fort ire 
the rear, found it impossible to reach the island. The 
engagement with the fleet continued until dark. The 
ships, having received too much injury to renew it, moved 
off in the night ; and a few days afterwards, the fleet, 
with the troops on board, set sail for New- York, where 
tlie whole British force had been ordered to assemble. 

11. The killed and wounded on the part of the enemy, 
amounted to near two hundred. Of the Americans, ten 
were killed, and twenty-two wounded. The troops, for 
their gallantry, received the thanks of congress, and high 
and well merited praise from their countrymen. Their 
success was auspicious to the cause of freedom. In a 
part of the country where resistance by force had been 
but little contemplated, it aroused the people to exertion, 
and inspired them with confidence. 



1776.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 171 

12. Notwithstanding the active war carried on, the 
«olonies still professed allegiance to the British king; and 
protested that the sole object of all their measures, was a 
redress of grievances. In the beginning of the contest, 
these professions, in most instances, were sincere ; but a 
state of hostility produced a rapid change of sentiment. 
In place of attachment to monarchy and to Great Britain, 
succeeded devotion to republican principles, and wishes 
for independence. 

13. Tlie temporary constitutions adopted by New- 
Hampshire, and several other colonies, had shown with 
what facility all bonds of connection with the mother 
country could be dissolved. Essays in the newspapers, 
and pamphlets industriously circulated, appealing to the 
the reason and to the passions of the people, enforced the 
necessity and policy of a separation. Resistance, it was 
observed, had been carried too far to allow the hope that 
cordial harmony could ever be restored ; submission on 
any terms, to irritated masters, would be totally unsafe ; 
and the alternative was presented of rising to the honora- 
ble rank of an independent nation, or sinking into a state 
of vassalage which every future year would render more 
oppressive and degrading. 

14. A pamphlet, entitled " Common Sense," and written 
by Thomas Paine, an Englishman, was universally read, 
and most highly admired. In language plain, forcible, and 
singularly well fitted to operate on the public mind, he 
l)ortrayed the excellencies of republican institutions, and 
attacked, with happy and successful ridicule, the principles 
of hereditary government. The effect of the pamphlet, in 
making converts, was astonishing, and is probably without 
precedent in the annals of literature. 

15. As a step preparatory to independence, congress, on 
the 15th of May, recommended to those colonies that had 
not yet adopted constitutions, to establish, without any 
limitation of time, " such governments as might best con- 
duce to the happiness and safety of the people." The 
recommendation was generally complied with, and in every 
instance the government was not only entirely elective, 
but elective at such short periods as to impress upon rulers 
their immediate accountableness to the people, and upon 
the people a just opinion of their own importance, and a 
conviction of their safety from misrule. 

16. The colonies had become accustomed to contemp^-'Ue 
themselves as sovereign states ; and the governments o£ 



172 REVOLUTIONARY WAR- [1776. 

many expressed their desire that congress would declare 
them such to the world. On the 7th of June, a resolution 
to that effect was proposed, in that body, by Richard Henry 
Lee, of Virginia, and seconded by John Adams, of Massa- 
chusetts. While under consideration, the colonies, which 
had not expressed their approbation of the measure, 
declared their concurrence. A committee, consisting of 
Messrs. Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Sherman, and Living- 
ston, were instructed to prepare a Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, which, on the fourth of July, a memorable day, 
was almost unanimously adopted. 

17. " We hold these truths," says this celebrated state 
paper, " to be self evident, that all mankind are created 
equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain 
unalienable rights ; that among these, are life, liberty, and 
the pursuit of happiness ; that to secure these rights, 
governments are instituted among men, deriving their just 
powers from the consent of the governed ; that whenever 
any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, 
it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to 
institute a new government, laying its foundations on such 
principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to 
them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and 
happiness." 

18. To justify the exercise, on the present occasion, of 
the right here asserted, a long enumeration is made of the 
injuries inflicted upon the colonies, by the king of Great 
Britain, which is closed by declaring that " a prince, whose 
character is thus marked by every act which may define 
a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people." 

19. The appeals which had been made to the people of 
Great Britain, are also recounted ; " but they too have been 
deaf to the voice of justice and consanguinity. We must 
therefore acquiesce to the necessity which denounces cur 
separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, 
enemies in war, in peace friends. 

20. " We, therefore, the representatives of the United 
States of America, in general congress assembled, appeal- 
ing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the rectitude 
of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority, of 
the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and 
declare, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought 
to be, FUEE and independent states ; that they are ab- 
solved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that 
all political connection between them and the state ot 



1776.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 173 

Great Britain is, and of right ought to be, totally dissolved ; 
and that, as free and independent states, they have full 
]K)wer to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, 
establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which 
independent states may of right do. And for the support 
of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of 
Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our 
lives, our fortunes, and our sacrea honor." 

21. This declaration was communicated to the army, 
and received with enthusiastic plaudits. A great majority 
of the people welcomed it with joy, which was displayed, 
in almost every city, by extraordinary public festivities. 
Those who had been denominated tories, were averse to 
a separation. Many joined the royal armies, and exhibited, 
during the war, the most cruel hostility against the whigs, 
their countrymen. 

22. During the spring and summer, imremitted exertions 
were made to fortify the city of New- York, against which, 
it was supposed, the whole strength of the enemy would 
be next directed. In this crisis the people of that state 
acted with spirit and firmness. One fourth of the militia 
of the counties contiguous lo the city, were called into 
the public service. Yet the means, in the power of the 
commander-in-chief, were not adequate to the emergency. 
He had under his command but fourteen thousand effective 
men ; and was almost destitute of many articles which 
impart strength as well as comfort to an army. As it was 
in the power of the enemy to choose their point of attack, 
this force was necessarily divided. A part were stationed 
in the city, a part at Brooklyn, on Long Island, and small 
detachments at various other posts. 

23. In the beginning of July, admiral and general Howe 
arrived in the harbor of New- York. They were accom- 
panied by a powerful naval force, and by an army of twenty- 
four thousand men, abundantly supplied with military stores. 
The troops were landed on Staten Island, a position from 
which ulterior movements could most conveniently be 
made. 

24. General Washington, presuming that the first attack 
would be made upon the posts at Brooklyn, strengthened 
it by a detachment of troops from the city, and gave the 
command of it to general Putnam. On the 22d of August, 
the British forces were landed on the opposite side of 
Long Island. The two armies were now about four miles 
asunder, and were separated bv a range of hills, w^er which 

P '2 



174 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, |1776, 

passed three main roads. Various circumstances led 
general Putnam to suspect that the enemy intended to 
approach him by the road leading to his right, which he 
therefore guarded with most care. 

25. Very early in the morning of the 26th, his suspicions 
were strengthened by the approach, upon that road, of a 
column of British troops and upon the centre road, of a 
column of Hessians. To oppose these, the American 
troops were mostly drawn from their camp, and in the en- 
gagements which took place, evinced considerable bravery. 

26. These movements of the enemy were but feints to 
divert the attention of Putnam from the road which led to 
his left, along which general Clinton was silently advancing 
with the main body of the British army. The report of 
cannon in that direction gave the first intimation of the 
danger which was approaching. The Americans endeavored 
to escape it, by returning, with the utmost celerity, to their 
camp. They were not able to arrive there in time, but 
were intercepted by general Clinton, who drove them back 
upon the Hessians. 

27. Attacked thus in front and rear, they fought a suc- 
cession of skirmishes, in the course of which many were 
killed, many made prisoners, and several parties, seizing 
favorable opportunities, forced their way through the 
enemy, and regained the camp. A bold and vigorous 
charge, made by the American general, lord Sterling, at 
the head of a Maryland regiment, enabled a large body to 
escape in this manner. This regiment, fighting with des- 
perate bravery, kept a force greatly superior engaged, until 
their comrades had passed by, when the few who survived, 
ceasing to resist, surrendered to the enemy. 

28. The loss of the Americans, in killed, wounded, and 
prisoners, considerably exceeded a thousand. Among the 
latter were generals Sullivan, Sterling, and WoodhuU. 
The total loss of the enemy was less than four hundred. 
They encamped at night before the American lines ; and 
the next day began to erect batteries within six hundied 
yards of their left. 

29. While the battle was raging, general Washington 
passed over to Brooklyn, where he witnessed, with inex- 
pressible anguish, the destruction of his best troops, from 
which, such was the superiority of the enemy, it was 
impossible to save them. Finding the men dispirited by 
defeat, he determined to remove them to the city. The 
retreat was effected, on the night of the 28th, with such 

I 



1776.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 175 

silence and despatch, that before the suspicions of the 
enemy were excited, the last division of boats was beyond 
the reach of their fire. 

30. So disheartened were the militia, that they deserted 
by companies ; and even the regular troops were infected 
by their example. Near the middle of September, the 
commander-in-chief, fearing to be enclosed in the city, re- 
tired to the heights of Haerlem. The enemy immediately 
took possession. A few days afterwards, a fire broke out 
which consumed about a thousand houses. 

31. General Washington, after reflecting upon the 
events which had already occurred ; after considering the 
inexperience of his troops, the condition of the country, 
and th» distance of the enemy from their resources, deter- 
mined to adopt a cautious system of warfare ; to risk at 
present no general engagement ; to harrass and wear out 
the enemy by keeping them in continual motion ; and to 
inspire his own troops with courage, by engaging them in 
skirmishes, in all cases where success was probable. In 
one, fought on the 6th of September, the brave colonel 
Knowlton was killed ; but the result was so decidedly 
favorable to the Americans, that the troops recovered 
their spirits ; and the general was confirmed i?n the system 
he had adopted. 

32. The movements of the enemy, in the beginning of 
October, indicated an intention of gaining the rear of the 
Americans, and cutting off their communication with the 
eastern states. The army, therefore, quitting Haerlem, 
moved northward towards White Plains. General Howe 
pursued, making several attempts to bring on a general 
engagement, which Washington avoided by skilful changes 
of position. A partial action was fought, on the 28th of 
October, in w^hich the loss on both sides was nearly 
equal. 

33. Finding his antagonist too cautious to be drawn into 
the open field, and too strong to be attacked in his en- 
trenchments, general Howe determined to return towards 
New- York, and attack forts Washington and Lee, situated 
opposite to each other on the banks of the Hudson, and 
about ten miles above the city. In these forts, garrisons 
had been left, from a wish to preserve the command of this 
important river. That in fort Washington, consisting in 
part of militia, amounted to two thousand seven hundred 
men, under colonel Magaw. 

34. On Jh® 16th of November, four divisions of thiR 



176 JIETOLUTIONARY WAR. [11%. 

enemy's army, led by their principal officers, attacked it in 
four different quarters. The j^arrison, and particularly the 
rillemen under colonel Ravvlings, fought bravely. The 
CjJermans were several times driven back, with great loss. 
But these combined and vigorous attacks were at length 
successful. The ammunition in the fort being nearly ex- 
hausted, and all the out posts driven in, the commander, 
on being a second time summoned, agreed to capitulate, on 
honorable terms. This was the severest blow the Ameri- 
cans had yet felt. The loss of the enemy, however, in 
killed and wounded, was supposed to be twelve hundred 
men. 

35. Fort Lee was immediately evacuated, <,he garrison 
joining general Washington. He had previously, with one 
division of his army, crossed over into New-Jersey, leav- 
ing the other, under the command of general Lee, in New- 
York. His force, even m hen augmented by the garrison, 
consisted of but three thousand effective men, and they 
were destitute of tents, of blankets, and even of utensils 
to cook their provisions. His first station was Newark ; 
but the enemy pursuing him, he was compelled to retreat 
successively to Brunswick, to Princeton, to Trenton, and 
iinally to cross the Delaware into Pennsylvania ; and so 
close was the pursuit, that the advance of the British army 
was often in sight. 

36. Small as was his force when the retreat begaii, it 
diminished daily. On the last of November, many of his 
troops were entitled to their discharge, and not one of 
them could be pers laded to continue another day in ser- 
vice. Such he feared would be the conduct of the re- 
mainder, whose time would expire at the end of the year. 
}n this extremity, he urged general Lee to hasten to his 
assistance ; but that officer, having other purposes in view, 
delayed his march. He called on the militia of New- 
Jersey and Pennsylvania, but none obeyed his call. The 
population around him were hostile or desponding, and 
withheld all aid from an army whose career seemed near 
its termination. 

37* Li this darkest hour in American history, general 
Howe issued a proclamation offering pardon to all who 
would declare their submission to royal authority. The 
contrast between a ragged, suffering, retreating army, and 
a full-clad, powerful, exulting foe, induced many, despair- 
mg of success, to abandon the cause they had espoused, 
and accept of pardon. Among them were Mr. Galkavug^ 



1776.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 177 

and Mr. Allen, who had been members of the continental 
congress. 

38. As the JBritish a»Tny approached Philadelphia, con- 
gress adjourned to Baltimore, having previously invested 
general Washington w^ith " full power to order and direct 
all things relative to the department, and to the operations 
of war." Such unlimited authority could not have been 
placed in hands more worthy to hold it. To the elastic 
energy of his mind, and his perfect self-possession in the 
most desperate circumstances, is America, in a great»de- 
gree, indetited for her independence. 

39. On the day that he was driven over the Delaware, 
the British took possession of Rhode Island. On the 13th. 
of December, general Lee, having wandered from his 
army, was surprised and taken prisoner. In the experi- 
ence and talents of this officer, the people reposed great 
confidence, and they lamented his loss like that of an 
army. In its consequences, his capture was fortunate. Tha 
command of his division devolved upon general Sullivan, 
who conducted it promptly to general AVashington, aug- 
menting his army to nearly seven thousand effective men. 

40. Still so much stronger were the enemy, that they 
regarded the rebels, for so they delighted to call tha 
patriots of that day, as almost subdued, and doubted not 
that a vigorous attempt, whenever they should be disposed 
to make it, would place in their power the handful of mea 
before them. They rioted upon the plunder of the coun- 
try, and enjoyed in prospect the fruits of an assured and 
decisive victory. 

41. Washington saw that this tide of ill fortune must 
be stemmed — must even be rolled back upon the enemy — 
or it would soon overwhelm his country. He resolved to 
hazard all that was left in one vigorous effort for victory. 
On the night of the 25th December, at the head of two 
thousand four hundred men, he crossed the Delaware at 
Trenton, surprised a body of Hessians stationed at that 
place, took nine hundred prisoners, and immediately re- 
crossed, having lost but nine of his men. 

42. This sudden and severe blow awakened the enemy 
to activity. Cornwallis, who had repaired to New- York, 
intrusting to his inferior officers the task of finishing the 
war, returned, with additional troops, to regain the ground 
that had been lost. He concentrated his forces at Prince- 
ton ; and soon after, W^ashington, having been joined by 
a body of Pennsylvania militia, and persuaded the New- 



178 REVOLUTIONARY WAR [1777. 

England troops to serve six weeks longer, again crossed 
the Delaware and took post at Trenton. 

43. On the 2d of January, 1777, the greater part of the 
British army marched to attack the Americans. In the 
evening they encamped near Trenton, in full, expectation 
of a battle and victory in the morning. Washington, 
sensible of the inferiority of his force; sensible too that 
flight would be almost as fatal as defeat, conceived another 
bold project which he resolved instantly to execute. 

44. About midnight, having renewed his fires, he silent- 
ly decamped, and gaining, by a circuitous route, the rear 
of the enemy, marched towards Princeton, where he pre- 
sumed Cornwallis had left a part of his troops. At sun- 
rise, the van of the American forces met unexpectedly 
two British regiments. A sharp action ensued ; the for- 
mer gave way. At this crisis, when all was at stake, the 
commander-in-chief led the main body to the attack. The 
enemy were routed and fled. Fortunately the heroic 
Washington, though exposed to both fires, and but a few 
yards distant from either party, escaped unhurt. 

45. Instead of pursuing them, he pressed forward to 
Princeton, where one regiment yet remained. Part saved 
themselves by a precipitate flight ; about three hundred 
were made prisoners. The British loss in killed was up- 
wards of one hundred ; the American was less, but in the 
number were the brave general Mercer, and several valua- 
l)le oflicers. Among the wounded was lieutenant James 
Monroe, afterwards raised to the highest office in the gift 
of his fellow citizens. 

46. In consternation, the British army immediately eva- 
cuated Trenton, and retreated to New-Brunswick. The 
inhabitants, resuming their courage, and giving full force 
to their rage, which fear had smothered, took revenge for 
the brutalities they had suffered. The enemy were driven 
from all their posts in New-Jersey, except Amboy and 
Brunswick, and the American army obtained secure win- 
ter quarters at Morristown. 

47. The brilliant victories at Trenton and Princeton 
raised, from the lowest depression, the spirits of the 
American people. They regarded Washington as the sa- 
vior of his country. He became the theme of eulogy 
throughout Europe. And having displayed, as occasions 
demanded, the opposite qualities of caution and impetu-. 
osity, he received the honorable and appropriate appellatioi^ 
»f the American Fabius. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1777. 

The firmness manifested by congress, when disaster 
and defeat had almost annihilated the American army, 
entitles the members to the gratttude and admiration of 
every friend of freedom. They exhibited no symptom 
of terror or dismay. They voted to raise an army to take 
the place of that which was to be disbanded at the end of 
the year ; and, made sensible by experience, that short 
enlistments had been the cause of most of the misfortunes 
of their country, they resolved that the new levies should 
be enlisted to serve three years or during the war, at the 
option of the individual reeruits. To defray expenses, 
they made large emissions of paper money. And to evince 
their firm determination to the world, they solemnly 
declared that they would listen to no terms of peace 
which required a relinquishment of their independence, 
or which should deprive other nations of a free trade to 
their ports. 

2. Relying on the inveterate enmity of France against 
Great Britain, they sent commissioners to that court, 
with instructions to solicit a loan of money, a supply of 
munitions of war, aud an acknowledgement of the inde- 
pendence of the United States. These commissioners 
were Dr.Franklin, Silas Dean, and Arthur Lee. Frank- 
lin arrived at Paris in December. The cause of wljich 
he was the advocate, and his own great fame as a philos- 
opher, procured him a flattering reception from all ranks 
of people. America, her minister, her struggle against 
oppression, became the themes of popular discourse, and 
the government itself was rendered in secret propitious to 
her cause. 

3. The ministry permitted arms, covertly taken from 
the public arsenals, to be conveyed to the United States. 
They connived at the sale, in their West India islands, 
and even in the ports of France, of the prizes taken by 
American privateers. The value of these prizes made in 
the year 1776, was computed at five millions of dollars, 
and far exceeded that ojf the captures made by the enemy. 

4. So popular was the qause of the United States, and 
so exalted the character of their military leader, that 
many Frencli ofiif-ers smiglit an oppoi-tunity of engaging 



180 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1777. 

in their service. Among these, the young Marquis de la 
Fayettfe was most conspicuous for his rank, and mo§t dis- 
tinguished for his ardoi and enthusiasm. At an early 
period, he communicated to the American agents his wir.h 
to join the republican armies. At first, they encouraged 
his zeal, but learning the disasters which preceeded the 
victory at Trenton, they, with honorable frankness, com- 
municated the information to him, and added that they 
were so destitute of funds, that they could not even pro- 
vide for his passage across the ocean. 

5. " If your country," replied the gallant youth, " is in- 
deed reduced to this extremity, it is at this moment that 
my departure to join her armies will render her the most 
esisential service." He immediately hired a vessel to 
convey him to America, where he arrived in the spring of 
1777. He was received with cordial affection by the 
people, became the bosom friend of Washington, solicited 
permission to serve without pay, and was appointed 
major-general in the army. 

6. In the last campaign, more prisoners had been taken 
by the British than by the Americans. They were de- 
tained at New- York, and were confined in churches and 
prison ships, where they endured the extremity of wretch- 
edness. Tliey were exposed, without fire and almost 
without clothes, to the inclemency of a severe winter ; 
were often whole days without food, and when food was 
offered, it was but a miserable pittance, damaged and 
loathsome. Many died of hunger, and more of diseases, 
produced by their complicated sufferings. 

7. Washington remonstrated with warmth, and threat 
ened retaliation. After his victories in New-Jersey, 
their treatment was less inhuman. An exchange was 
agreed upon, but many, when attempting to walk from 
their places of confinement to the vessels provided to 
convey them away, fell and expired in the streets. Yet 
in the midst of these unparalleled sufferings, they had 
exhibited fortitude more rare, and more honorable to 
human nature, than the highest display of valor in battle. 
To entice them to enlist in the royal army, they were pro- 
mised relief from misery, and the enjoyment of abundance. 
They rqected the offer with disdain ; thus giving to the 
world tae noblest proof of the absence of all mercenary 
motive, and of the sincerity and fervor of their devotion 
w their country. 

S, Nf^ar the "end of ^lay, the American army, which 



1777.) REVOLUTIONARY WAJ2* 181 

had been auiamented by recrufts to almost ten thousand 
men, moved from Morristown, and took a strong position 
at Middlebrook. The British, soon after, left their en- 
campment, and general Howe endeavored, by various 
movements, to induce general Washington to quit his 
strong hold and meet bim on equal ground. But the latter, 
adhering to his Fabian system of warfare, determined to 
remain in the position he had chosen. 

9. General Ilowe, changing his purpose, transported his 
army to Staten Island. He there embarked sixteen 
thousand troops on board a large fleet, and, leaving Sir 
Henry Clinton in command at New- York, put out to sea 
on the 2()th of July. His destination was carefully kept 
secret. On the 20ih of August, the fleet entered Chesa- 
peake bay, and rendered it certain that an attack upon 
Philadelphia was intended. The troops were landed at 
Elk ferry, in Maryland, fifty miles soutli of that city. 

10. The American army immediately crossed the Dela- 
ware, and. passing through Philadelphia, directed its march 
towards the enemy. The people, weary of delays and 
indecisive movements, demanded that a general engage- 
ment should be hazarded for the defence of the metropolis. 
Washington, yielding to their wishes, took a position on 
the eastern bank of Brandywine creek, and in the direction 
of the enemy's route. 

11. On the eleventh of September, the British army 
appeared, and, crossing the creek at several fords, com- 
menced an attack upon the American right, which, after 
a short resistance, gnve way. The other divisions, succes- 
sively attacked, gave way in like manner, and the rout 
becoming general, a retreat was ordered to Chester. 

12. Several portions of the American army, particularly 
a brigade from Virginia, exhibited in this battle great 
firmness and bravery. The misconduct of others rendered 
their bravery unavailing. The American loss amounted 
to twelve hundred; the British to no more than half that 
number. The Marquis de la Fayefrte took part in the 
engagement and was wounded. The next day, the army 
retired to Philadelphia, and soon after to Reading, where 
a quantity of stores had been deposited. The retreat was 
performed without a murmur, although many marched 
without shoes, and slept on the ground without blaidcets. 
On the 2nth of September, general Howe entiered Phila- 
delphia in triumph, congre>&s having previously removed 
to Lancaster. 



183 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1776. 

li. The transactions of the contending armies at the 
the north, since the termination of the expedition to 
Canada, now demand our attention. The Americans 
halted at Crown Point, the British at St. Johns, and both 
employed the remainder of tlie summer in building vessels 
and making preparations to secure the command of Lake 
Champlain. 

14. On the 11th of October, 1776, the American and 
British squadrons met, colonel Arnold, who had been a 
sailor in his youth, commanding the former. After a short 
contest, the enemy, not being then able to bring their whole 
force into action, retired. The next day, they returned to 
the combat, and being greatly superior, drove the American 
squadron before them, to the head of the lake. A sharp 
action then took place ; the officers and men fought 
galilantly, but Arnold losing a part of his force, and per- 
ceiving defeat to be inevitable, ran the remainder of his 
vessels on shore and set them on fire. 

15. Winter approaching, governor Carleton returned 
with his troops to Canada. General Burgoyne, who had 
served under him daring the last campaign, made a voyage 
to England to concert a plan for future operations. It was 
determined that a powerful army, departing from Montreal, 
should proceed, by way of Lake Champlain, to the Hudson, 
with the view of obtaining, by the co-of)eration of the 
army at New- York, the entire command of that river. 
All communication between the states of New-England, 
and the others lying south of them, would thus be pre- 
vented. Either section, alone and unsupported, could, it 
was supposed, be easily subdued ; and the whole stren^h 
of the nation might then be directed against the other.. 

16. Nothing was omitted which might insure the success 
of this project. Seven thousand choice troops, to be sent 
from England, were allotted to the service. They were 
supplied with an excellent train of brass artillery, and with 
every thing which could add to their efficiency as an army. 
The command was given to Burgoyne, and several officers of 
distinguished reputation were selected to serve under him. 

17. General Schuyte, of New- York, a worthy officer, 
whose talents were solid but not brilliant, had the chief 
command of the northern department. He was indefatiga- 
ble in making preparations for defence ; and such was his 
zftal in the cause of independence, and such his deserved 
popularity in his nativB ste^e, that he doubtless accom- 
plished moT9 than any other person could have done. 



1777.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 183 

Still, at a late period in the spring, the fortiiicationa were 
incomplete, and but few troops or munitions of war were / 
collected. 

18. Very early in the season, Burgoyne arrived at Que- 
bec. He immediately despatched colonel St. Leger with 
a party of regulars, tories, and Indians, by the way of the 
St. Lawrence to Oswego, directing him to proceed thence 
to the Mohawk, and join him at Albany. With the main 
army, augmented, in Canada, to ten thousand men, he 
hastened to Ticonderoga, before which he appeared on the 
first of July. On his way, he held a conference, at the 
river Bouquet, with a large number of savages, whom 
British agents had persuaded to join the army. 

19. The garrison of Ticonderoga, which was then com- 
manded by general St. Clair, was insufficient to defend it 
against so powerful a force. It was evacuated in the night 
of the 5th, the troops crossing Lake Champlain and re- 
treating towards Castleton, in Vermont. The enemy pur- 
sued, and on the morning of the 7th, their van overtook 
and attacked the American rear, under colonels Francis 
and Warner. The action was warm and well contested ; 
but other troops arriving to the aid of the British, the 
Americans were compelled to give way. 

20. The retreat now became precipitate and disorderly ; 
the pursuit rapid and persevering. At length, the republi- 
can army, diminished in number, exhausted by fatigue, and 
dispirited by misfortunes, arrived, by various routes, at 
fort Edward, on the Hudson, the head-quarters of general 
Schuyler. These disastrous events spread terror and 
dismay throughout the land. The people, ignorant of the 
weakness of the army, attributed its retreat to cowardice 
or treachery, and trembled at the dangers which menaced 
them from the British, Germans, and savages. 

21. The royal forces, elated by success, proceeded 
through the wilderness towards fort Edwanl. Their 
progress was slow and toilsome. General Schuyler, on 
their approach, evacuated the fort, and retired across the 
Hudson to Saratoga. Soon aftei:=^ he descended the river 
to Stillwater ; and, the British c(*8i,inuing to advance, he 
retreated, on the 14th of August, to the islands at the 
confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson, a few miles north 
of Troy. About the same time, intelligence was received, 
that St. Leger, having penetrated from Oswego to the 
Mohawk, had laid siege to fort Schuyler, situated in tha 
{ixAsent township of Rome. 



1^4 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1777. 

22. The American general, before leaving fort Edward, 
issued a proclamation calling to his aid the militia of New- 
England and New- York. Aroused by the danger multi- 
tudes obeyed his call. Vermont poured forth her daring 
Green-Mountain boys ; tlie other states of New-England 
their hardy yeoman. y, ardent in the cause of freedom ; 
New-Y^ork, her valiant sons, indignant at this invasion of 
her territory, and determined to protect their property from 
pillage and destruction. These beset the invaders on 
every side, impeding their progress, cutting off their sup- 
plies, and fatiguing them by incessant attacks. 

23. Burgoyne, finding it difficult to transport his pro- 
visions through the wilderness, despatched colonel Baum, 
with five hundred Hessians, to seize a quantity of beef 
-and flour which the Americans had collected and deposited 
tit Bennington. Fortunately, general Stark, at the head 
of a party of New-Hampshire militia, had just arrived at 
that place, on his way to the main army, and been joined 
by volunteers from the immediate neighbourhood. Baum, 
ascertaining fheir number to be greater than his own, 
halted near Bennington, erected breastworks, and sent 
back for a reinforcement. 

24. In several skirmishes between small detachments, 
the militia were uniformly successful. This sharpening 
their courage, Stark resolved to attack the main body. 
On the 16th of August, a fierce and sanguinary battle took 
place. For two hours, the Hessians fought bravely, but 
their works, assaulted by braver troops, were at length 
entered, and most of the detachment either killed or made 
prisoners. 

25. Just after this action had terminated, colonel Brey- 
man arrived with the reinforcement sent to Baum. The 
milida, apprehending no danger, had dispersed in pursuit 
of plunder or the fugitives. By carelessness was nearly 
lost all that by valor had been gained. Happily, at this 
critical juncture, colonel Warner arrived from Manchester 'f 
with a continental regiment, and immediately fell upon 
Breyman, The militia, rallying, hastened to his aid. The 
battle continued until sunset, when the enemy retreated, ^ 
and under cover of the night the greater part effected their 
escape. 

26. The tide of fortune was now turned. The decisive 
victory at Bennington diffused confid^ence and joy. The 
friends of independence, before depressed by disaster and 
dxjfjeat, were now animated by the prospect, which sud» 



irn.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 185 

dcnly burst upon them, of a glorious victory over an arro- 
gant and once dreaded enemy. The greatest zeal and 
activity were every where displayed. Again crowds of 
militia flocked to the republican camp. 

27. In a few days, cheering intelligence arrived from fort 
Schuyler. The garrison under colonels Gansevoort and 
Willet, had, in the midst of the most discouraging circum- 
stances, made a gallant defence against the forces of St. 
Leger. General Herkimer, marching with eight hundred 
militia to their relief, fell into an ambuscade, was defeated 
and slain ; but a larger party was speedily collected and 
immediately despatched, under general Arnold, upon the 
same service. 

28. The Indians, alarmed by their approach, and fa- 
tigued and disgusted by the protracted labors of the siege, 
threatened to abandon St. Lcger, if he would not reliquish 
his enterprise. He reluctantly consented, and with the 
loss of his baggage and stores retreated to Montreal. 
Burgoyne was thus deprived of his expected co-operation, 
and the militia of that part of the states were enabled to 
join the American army. 

29. The disasters which befell this army at the com- 
mencement of the campaign induced congi-ess to recall the 
generals who commanded it, and to appoint, in their places, 
generals Gates, Lincoln, and Arnold. Having the control 
of more abundant and powerful means, they acted with 
more energy and boldness. Gates, leaving the encamp- 
ment on the islands, to which Schuyler had retreated, 
advanced, in the beginning of September, to the neighbor- 
hood of Stillwater. 

30. Burgoyne, after the defeat of Baum, was obliged to 
have recourse, fer provisions, to the magazines at fort 
George. The laborious task of transporting them through 
the wilderness to the Hudson being accomplished, he 
moved forward, and on the 17th of September, encamped 
within four miles of the American army. 

3L The next day, the first battle of Stillwater was 
fought. It was begun by skirmishes between the scouting 
parties of the two armies, which were respectively ana 
repeatedly reinforced, until nearly the whole of each was 
engaged. Both fouirht with determined resolution ; they 
alternately drove and were driven by each other. A con- 
tinual blaze of fire was kept up. Men, and particularly 
officers, dropped every moment and on every side. Night 
put an ead to the conflict. 

. Cl2 



ISa REVOLUTIONARY WAR- [1777. 

32. The American army retired to their camp; the 
British lay on thei* arms near the field of battle. The 
loss of the former was three hundred and nineteen; that 
of the latter exceeded five hundred. Each claimed the 
victory ; the consequences of defeat were felt by the 
British alone. Their hopes of success were diminished, 
their Indian allies, the Canadians, and tories, were dis- 
heartened and deserted them. 

33. Pressed on all sides, Burgoyne made freqvient and 
urgent applications to Sir Henry Clinton, at New- York, 
for aid, and informed him that, in expectation of such aid, 
he would maintain his present position until the 13th of 
October. He diminished the allowance of provisions to 
his soldiers, and having waited until the 7th, without re- 
ceiving any intelligence from Clinton, determined to make 
another trial of strength with his adversary. 

34. He made dispositions to commence the action with 
the right wing of his army ; Gates, discovering his design, 
made a sudden and vigorous attack upon the left. In a 
short time, the whole of both armies were engaged. This 
battle was furious, obstinate, and more bloody than the 
other. Arnold was eminently distinguished for his bravery 
and rashness. Towards night, the enemy, who had fought 
with desperate valor, gave way. A part of their works 
were stormed and taken, and more than two hundred men 
made prisoners. 

35. Darkness put an end to this action also. The 
Americans lay upon their arms near the enera(y's lines, in- 
tending to renew the battle the next day ; but Burgoyne, 
during the night, withdrew to a stronger position. Gates 
forbore to pursue, believing that a bloodless victory was 
now in his power. 

36. In the mean time, Sir Henry Clinton despatched 
general Vaughan with three thousand men, to endeavor to 
y«lieve Burgoyne. He ascended the Hudson, and on the 
sixth of October, assaulted and took fort Montgomery ; 
but instead of hastening forward, he consumed a whole 
week in pillaging and burning Esopus, and other flourish- 
ing villages on the river. He perhaps expected that this 
wanton destruction of property would draw off a part of 
the ti>ices under Gates ; but it had no other effect than to 
exasperate the inhabitants. 

37. Burgoyne, perceiving that his antagonist was en-» 
deavorijig to siirround him, retreated to the heights of 
Saratoga. Tiie Amearieans pursued, keeping a sufficient 



im.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 187 

force on the east bank of the river to prevent him from 
crossing. The situation of the British troops was now- 
distressing in the extreme. Many of their most valued 
officers had been killed. Their strength was exhausted 
by incessant exertion; they were ahnost encircled by 
their enemy, and were greatly annoyed by a continual and 
destructive cannonade. From this forlorn condition but 
one mode of escape remained, a forced march m the night 
to fort George. This expedient was resolved on, and pre- 
parations were made ; but the scouts sent out returned 
with intelligence that all the passes were guarded by 
strong bodies of militia. 

38. An account of provisions was then taken, and a 
supply for no more than three days was found on hand. No 
hope of rescue within that time could be indulged. Bur- 
goyne summoned his principal officers to a council. It is 
said that while deliberating, a cannon ball crossed the 
table around which they sat. By their unanimous advice, 
he opened a negotiation with the American general, and on 
the 17th of October, surrendered his whole army prisoners 
of war. 

39. Great were the rejoicings occasioned by this glorious 
victory. Many supposed that it would termhiate the con- 
test. In the joy of success, all feelings of resentment 
were forgotten. From regard to the feeliiif s of the van- 
quished, general Gates, while they were piling their arms, 
kept the victorious troops within his camp. The British 
officers, in social converse with the Americans, were led 
to forget their misfortune, and the troops, when on their 
march to Massachusetts, did not receive from the people 
that vindictive treatment which their distressing depre- 
dations, and those of their fellow soldiers under Vaughan, 
would have excused, if not justified. 

-.40. Against this band of marauders, general Gates 
niarched soon after the capitulation was signed; but on 
learning the fate of Burgoyne, they retired to New- York. 
About the same time, the garrison left at Ticonderoga, 
having rendered their cannon useless, returned to Canada, 
and the northern department was restored to perfect tran- 
quility. 

41. "While the exertions of the nortliern army were re- 
W'arded by brilliant success, that of the south, equally 
brave and meritorious, but enfeebled by the detachments 
which Washington generously spared to Gates, sustained 
distressing revarsos. The greatest was at GermaiitowQ, 



189 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1777, 

in the vicinity of Philadelphia, where the main body of th© 
enemy was etationed. 

42. Upon this body, at sunrise, on the 4th of October, 
the American general made a bold and vigorous attack. So 
sudden and spirited was the onset, that the enemy, unable 
to sustain it, fled, and a complete victory appeared in pros- 
pect. But six British companies, while retreating, threw 
themselves into a large stone house, from which, in entire 
safety, they poured a destructive fire upon the American 
troops. The pursuit was arrested, and much time con- 
sumed in a vain attempt to demolish this fortress. 

43. The fugitives rallied, and turned upon the assailants. 
Confusion followed, and a thick fog, which that moment 
arose, increased it. The different divisions, ignorant of 
the positions and success of the others, uncertain even as 
to their own, acted with indecision and timidity. A retreat 
was therefore directed, and the troops withdrew in good 
order. 

44. In this action, in which fortune snatched victory 
from the grasp of the Americans, they sustained a loss of 
twelve hundred men ; that of the British was less than six 
hundred. But the vanquished sustained no loss of repu- 
tation nor confidence. Their country applauded the bold- 
ness of the attempt, and the enemy felt higher respect for 
their courage ikd discipline. 

45. The British army soon after left Germantown, and 
marched to attack the American posts on the river Dela- 
ware below Philadelphia. On the 22d of October, a body 
of twelve hundred Hessians, conmiandcd by count Donop, 
made an intrepid assault upon the fortifications at Red 
Bank. They were repulsed with great loss, and their 
gallant leader killed. 

46. Fort Mifflin, on Mud Island, was next attacked. 
For six days it was bravely defended. It was then eva- . 
cuated, the works having been almost demolished by the 
enemy's artillery. Preparations being made for a second 
assault, with a much larger force, upon the post at Red 
Bank, that was also evacuated, and thus wasopened a free 
communication between the British army and their fleet, 
which hnd sailed round to tlie mouth of tlie Delaware. 

47. After several movements of the rivspective armies, 
which had no important result, general Washington with- 
drew to winter quarters in the M'oods of Valley Forge. 
His troops were destitute of shoes, and might have 
bseu tracked by the blood of their feet. They passed the 



1777.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 189 

winter in huts, suffered extreme distress from want of 
clothing and of food, hut endured their privations without 
a murmur. How strong must liave heen their love of 
liberty 1 Witli what lively gratitude ought a prosperous 
country, indebted to them for the most valuable blessings, 
to remember their sufferings and services 1 



CHAPTER XX. 
CAMPAIGN OF 1778. 

While the American armies were contending in the 
field, or suffering in the camp, congress were occupied in 
the performance of duties important to the cause of inde- 
pendence. At first, this body possessed no powers, but 
such as were conferred by the credentials and instructions 
given, by the state legislatures, to their respective dele- 
gates. Early in 1776, a confederation of the states w^as 
proposed ; but until the 15th of November, 1777, all the 
obstacles to the measure could not be surmounted. 

2. The " Articles of Confederation" then adopted by 
Congress, and subsequently ratified by the several assem- 
blies, bound the states in a firm league of friendship with 
each other, for their coiimion defence and the security of 
their liberties. Delegates were to be annually appointed, 
who, when assembled in congress, were authorized to 
carry on wjfr, to make peace, and to exercise the powers 
of sovereignty in relation to foreign nations. They were 
also authorized to determine the number of men, and the 
amount of money to be raised, and to assign to each state 
its just proportion. 

3. But so unwilling were the states to relinquish their 
recently assuijied independence, that they withheld from 
congress the authority to make laws which should operate 
directly upon the people ; and reserved to themselves the 
sole right of raising their proportions of money in such 
manner as each might deem most expedient. 

4. Congrese also effected a thorough reform of the com- 
missary department, in which scandalous frauds had been 
conmiitted. And in order to introduce a uniform system 
of tactics and discipline, they resolved that an inspector- 
general Bhould be appointed. Subsequently they elected 
to that offiCe the baron Steuben, a native of Prussia, who 



wo REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [177R 

had served in a high station In the army of Frederic the 
great, and was well versed in the system of manoeuvres 
introduced by that celebrated commander. 

5. The signal victory at Saratoga exalted the reputation 
of the confederated states, in every part of Europe. The 
French ministry no longer hesitated to acknowledge their 
independence. On the 6th of February, they concluded, 
with the American commissioners, treaties of commerce 
and of alliance, in wliich they generously assented to 
terms highly advantageous to the states. This event, so 
flattering to the hopes and the pride of the people, occa- 
sioned the liveliest joy, and the most ardent gratitude to 
France. 

6. Among the people of Great Britain, the defeat of 
their favorite general produced astonishment, dismay, and 
indignation. The most brilliant success was anticipated ; 
the most ignominious result had occurred. The pride of 
the nation was humbled, and they who had disapproved of 
the war, poured upon the ministry a torrent of invective. 
To increase the bitterness of their chagrin, they soon 
learned the course which their hereditary enemy and rival 
had resolved to pursue. 

7. It was now determined in the cabinet, to grant to 
America all that she had demanded, in the beginning of the 
contest. An act was passed, declaring that parliament 
would not, in future, impose any tax upon the colonies ; 
and commissioners were sent over, authorized to proclaim 
a repeal of all the offensive statutes, and to treat with the 
constituted authorities of America. 

8. The commissioners, arriving at Philadelphia in the 
spring, communicated to congress the terms offered by 
Great Biitain, which were at once unanimously rejected. 
Failing in*the use of direct and honorable means, they 
attempted bribery and corruption. To Joseph Reed, a 
general in the army and a member of congress, an offer 
was made of ten thousand pounds sterling, and any office 
within his majesty's gift in the colonies, if he would en- 
deavor to effect a reunion of the two countries. " I am 
not worth purchasing," he nobly replied, " but such as I 
am, the king of Great Britain is not rich enough to do it." 

9. On receiving official notification of the treaties con- 
cluded with her revolted colonies, Great Britain declared 
war against France; and the ministry, presuming that 
assistance would be sent them, transroitted orders by the 
i^jiimiisgioners, that Philadelphia should b« evaeuated. 



1778.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 191 

and the royal troops concentrated at New- York. The 
execution of these orders devolved upon Sir Henry Clinton, 
who, general Howe having resigned, had been appointed 
commander-in-chief. On the 18th of June, the enemy 
quitted the city, and marched slowly eastward. 

10. Washington, leaving his huts in the forest, hung 
upon the rear of the British arrny, watching for a favorable 
opportunity to offer battle. On arriving at Monmouth, in 
New-Jersey, general Lee, who had lately been exchanged, 
was ordered to take the command of five thousand men, 
and, early in the morning of the 28th, unless there should 
be powerful reasons to the contrary, to commence an at- 
tack. He was assured, that the residue of the army 
should follow and give him support. 

11. Lee made dispositions to attack accordingly, but 
perceiving the main body of the enemy returning to meet 
him, he retreated. Washington, advancing to render the 
promised support, saw him retiring, rode forward and 
addressed him in language implying disapprobation of his 
conduct. He then directed him to form ^his men, on 
ground which lie pointed out, and there oppose the pro- 
gress of the enemy. 

12. These orders were executed with firmness. A 
warm engagement ensued, and Lee, when forced from the 
ground, brought off his troops in good order. Washington, 
at this moment, arrived with the m.ain body of his army, 
which joined in the action, and compelled the enemy to 
fall back to the position from which Lee had been driven. 

13. The day had been intensely hot ; it was now almost 
dark, and the troops were much fatigued. Further opera- 
tions were therefore deferred until the next morning. In 
the night. Sir Henry Clinton silently left his position, and 
continued his march to New- York. His loss amounted to 
near five hundred men ; that of the Americans to three 
hundred. Heat and excessive fatigue proved fatal to 
many. 

14. Lee, irritable and proud, could not forget the manner 
in which Washington had addressed him ; and in two 
passionate letters, demanded reparation. A court martial 
was instituted ; he was found guilty of misconduct on the 
day of battle, and of disrespect to the commander-in-chief, 
and was suspended from command for ojae year. He never 
afterwards joined the army, b\it died in seclusion just be- 
fore the close of the war. 

15. The enemy having entered New- York, Washington 



192 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1778. 

conducted his army to White Plains. Congress returned 
to Philidelphia ; and in July received, with inexpressible 
joy, a letter from the count d' Estaing, announcing his 
arrival on the coast of the United States, with a large 
fleet, whicli had been sent, by the king of France, to assist 
them in their struggle for independence. 

16. The count intended to surprise admiral Howe in 
the Delaware, but adverse winds detained him on the 
passage, until the British fleet had sailed for New-York. 
He appeared before that harbor, but on sounding found 
that his largest sbips could not enter it. A combined 
attack, by land and water, upon the British forces at 
Newport, in Rhode Island, was then projected. 

17. General Sullivan, who had been appointed to com- 
mand the troops, called upon the militia of New-England 
to aid him in the enterprise. His army soon amounted 
to ten thousand men, and, as he was supported by the 
fleet, he felt confident of success. On the ninth of 
August, he took a position on the north end of Rhode 
Island, and afterwards moved nearer to Newport. Admi- 
ral Howe, having received a reinforcement, now appeared 
before the harbor, and the count instantly put to sea to 
attack him. 

18. While making the preparatory manoeuvres, a furious 
storm came on, which damaged and dispersed both fleets. 
As soon as the weather would permit, each commander 
sought the port from which he had sailed. The army, 
intent upon their own object, witnessed with joy the 
return of the French fleet ; and great was their disap- 
pointment when the count announced his intention of 
proceeding to Boston to refit. The American officers 
remonstrated, but he was inflexible and departed. 

19. The army, deserted by the fleet, could remain no 
longer, with safety, on the island, as the enemy might 
easily transport, by water, large reinforcements from New- 
York to Newport. General Sullivan immediately re- 
treated to his first position. He was pursued, and shortly 
after halting, was attacked by the enemy. They were 
gallantly resisted and repulsed with loss. 

20. The next day, the two armies cannonaded each 
other, and the succeeding night the American general, 
deceiving the enemy by a show of resistance to the 
last, made a skilful retreat to the continent. A few hours 
afterwards, the British received such an augmejitation of 
their ^rce, that all resistance, on the part of the Ameri- 



1778.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 193 

cans, would have been vain. At the close of the season, 
the French fleet sailed to the West Indies. 

21. During this year, the British troops and their allies 
displayed, in several instances, a degree of barbarity sel- 
dom equalled in contests between civilized nations. That 
they were contending against revolted subjects, seemed 
to release them, in their view, from all regard to the 
conunon usages of war. The late alliance with France, 
the hated rival of their nation, increased their hostility. 
Instead of striving to conquer an honorable foe, they 
thirsted as for vengeance on a criminal and outlaw. 

22. With such vindictive feelings, Wyoming, a happy 
and flourishing settlement in Pennsylvania, was attacked 
by a band of tories and Indians. The men were butch- 
ered, the houses burned, and the cattle driven off" or killed. 
Those who had been made widows and orphans were left 
without shelter and without food. Seldom has wai 
spread distress and ruin over a more delightful region. 
New-Bedford, Martha's Vineyard, Eggharbor, and Cher- 
ryralley, were also visited and ravaged by the enemy. 
All the property within reach was destroyed, and multi- 
tudes of peaceful and unoffending inhabitants were reduced 
to poverty and wretchedness. 

23. But in no instance did the enemy evince more 
ferocious, unrelenting cruelty than in their attack upon 
colonel Baylor's troop of light dragoons. While asleep 
in a barn at Tappan, they were surprised by a party under 
general Grey, who commanded his soldiers to use the 
bayonet only, and to give the rebels no quarter. Incapa- 
ble of defence, they sued for mercy. But the most 
pathetic supplications were heard without awakening 
compassion in the commander. Nearly one half of the 
troop were killed. To many, repeated thrusts were bar- 
barously given as long as signs of life remained. vSeveral 
who had nme, ten, and eleven stabs through the body, 
and were left for dead, afterwards recovered. A few 
escaped, and forty were saved by the humanity of a Brit- 
ish captain, who dared to disobey the orders of his general. 

24. Late in the fall, the army under Washington erected 
huts near Middleorook, in New-Jersey, in which they 
passed the winter. In this campaign, but little on either 
side was accomplished. The alliance with France gave 
birth to expectations which events did not fulfil ; yet the 
presence of her fleets on the coast deranged the plans of 
«-he enemy, and induced them to relinquish a part of their 

B 



194 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1779. 

conquests. At the close of the year, it was apparent that 
Great Britain had made no progress in the accomplishment 
of her purposes. 



CHAPTER XXI. 
CAMPAIGN OF 1779. 

The campaign of 1779, was distinguished by a change 
of the theatre of war, from the northern to the southern 
section of the confederacy. Thither the enemy were 
invited by the prospect of easier victory. The country 
was rendered weak by its scattered population, by the 
multitude of slaves, and by the number of tories inter- 
mingled with the whigs. 

2. Near the close of the preceding year, lieutenant- 
colonel Campbell, with 2500 men, sailed from New- York 
to the coast of Georgia, and landed his troops. Marching 
towards Savannah, the capital, he met on his route a small 
body of Americans, whom he defeated, and immediately 
took possession of the city. A detachment from Florida 
under general Prevost invested Sunbuiy, which, after the 
fall of the capital, surrendered at discretion. These were 
the only military posts in Georgia. All the troops that 
could escape retreated into South-Carolina.' 

3. Soon after the conquest of Georgia, general Lincoln 
took command of the American troops in the southern 
department. In April, leaving South-Carolina, he marched 
into the interior of Georgia ; upon which the British army, 
entering the state he had left, invested Charleston, the 
capital. Lincoln hastened back to its defence. On hearing 
of his approach, the enemy retired to Stono ferry. Thither 
Lincoln pursued them. An indecisive action was fought ; 
and a few days afterwards, they continued their retreat to 
Savannah. 

4. The heat of the season suspended farther operations 
until September. Count d'Estaing, with a fleet carrying 
6000 troops, then arrived on the coast. The two armies, 
in concert, laid siege to Savannah. At the expiration of 
a month, the count, impatient of delay, insisted that the 
siege should be abandoned, or that a combined assault 
upon the enemy's works should immediately be made. 
General Lincoln determined upon an assault. Great 



177^.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 193 

gallantry was displayed by the French and American, but 
greater by the British troops. They repulsed the assail- 
ants, killing and wounding nearly a thousand men, and 
sustaining, on their part, but little loss. The count 
Pulaski, a celebrated Polish nobleman, in the service of 
the states, was mortally wounded. The next day the 
siege was raised, the French returning home, and the 
Americans to South-Carolina. 

5. In the midst of these events, general IMatthews, 
sailing from New- York, conducted an expedition against 
Virginia. On the 10th of May, he took possession of 
Portsmouth, without opposition, and ravaged, for two 
weeks, that city and the adjacent country. The booty 
obtained, and the property destroyed, were ©f immense 
value. Before the expiration of May, the party returned 
to New- York. 

6. Ea^Jy in the season, colonel Clarke, of Virginia, who 
was stationed at Kaskaskia, on the Mississippi, achieved 
an enterprise conspicuous for boldness of design, and 
evincing uncoramon hardihood in its execution. With, 
only one hundred and thirty men, he penetrated through 
the wilderness, to St. Vincents, a British post on the 
Wabash, in the heart of the Indian country. His route 
lay across deep swamps and morasses. For four or five 
miles the party waded through water, often as high as the 
breast. After a march of sixteen days, they reached the 
town, which, having no intimation of their approach, sur- 
rendered without resistance. A short time after, the fort 
capitulated. This fortunate achievement arrested an 
expedition which the enemy had projected against the 
frontiers of Virginia, and detached several tribes of Indiana 
from the British interest. 

7. The atrocities committed at Wyoming, and at seve- 
ral settlements in New- York, cried aloud for vengeance. 
Congress, assembling an anny of 4000 men, gave the com- 
mand of it to general Sullivan, and directed him to conduct 
it into the country inhabited by tli^ savages, and retort 
upon them their own system of warfare. Of this army, 
one division marched from the Mohawk, the other from 
Wyoming, and both forming a junction on the Susque- 
hannah, proceeded, on the 22d of August, towards the 
Seneca lake. 

8. On an advantageous position, the Indians, in con- 
junction with 200 tories, had erected fortifications to 
oppose tlieir progress. Theso were assaulted ; the enemy 



196 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. fl779. 

after a slight resistance, gave way, and disappeared in the 
woods. As the army advanced into the western part of 
the state of New-York, that region now so fertile and 
populous, the Indians deserted their towns, the appearance 
of which denoted a higher state of civilization than had 
ever before been witnessed in the North American wil- 
derness. The houses were commodious ; the apple and 
peach-trees numerous, and the crops of corn then growing 
abundant. All were destroyed ; not a vestige of human 
industry was permitted to exist. 

9. Having accomplished this work of vengeance, severe 
but deserved, and essential to the future safety of the 
whites, general Sullivan returned to Easton, in Pennsyl- 
vania, where he arrived about the middle of October. 
His whole loss, by sickness and the enemy, amounted to 
but forty men. 

10. On the first of July, general Try on sailedi^rom New- 
York with a large body ©f troops, and landing.on the coast 
of Connecticut, plundered New-Haven, and laid Fairfield 
and NoTwalk in ashes. Before his return, general Wayne, 
with a detachment from the American army, made a daring 
assault upon Stoney Point, a strongly fortified post on the 
Hudson. About twelve at night, the troops, with unloaded 
muskets, arrived before the lines. They were received 
with a tremendous discharge of grape-shot and musketry. 
Rushing forward, they mounted the walls, and using the 
bayonet only, were soon in complete possession of the fort. 

11. A more gallant exploit has seldom been performed ; 
and the humanity of the victors was equal to^ their valor. 
Notwithstanding the devastations in Connecticut, and the 
butchery of Baylor's troop, the scene of which was near, 
not an individual suffered after resistance had ceased. 
Of the enemy, sixty were killed, and upwards of five hun- 
dred made prisoners. The loss of the Americans was 
comparatively small. A gold medal, presented by congress, 
rewarded the heroism of the victor. 

12. In September, a bloody naval battle M^as fought, 
near the coast of Scotland, in which John Paul Jones 
acquired the reputation of a daring and fortunate comman- 
der. He was a Scotchm.an by birth, but had been appointed, 
by the American congress, a captain in their navy, and 
then commanded a squadron fitted out in the ports of 
France. At half past seven in the evening, his own ship, 
the Bon homme Richard, of 40 guns, engaged the Serapis, 
a British friiiate of 44. After the action had continued 



Tm.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 197 

tm hour, the two frigates approached so near to each other 
that Jones, seizing the opportunity, lashed them together. 

13. The battle now became furious, and the carnage 
horrible. The Serapis was on fire not less than ten times ; 
and often both frigates were on fire at the same moment, 
presenting a sublime and dreadful spectacle. At length, 
the Alliance, one of Jones' squadron, came to his assist- 
ance ; but the two frigates being fastened together, many 
of her shot struck the Bon homme Richard. At ten o'clock, 
the Serapis surrendered. Her successful antagonist was 
so shattered, that the crew were obliged to leave her im- 
mediately, and she soon after sunk. The Pallas, which 
was also one of Jones' squadron, engaged at the same time 
and captured the Countess of Scarborough. The squadron 
with the prizes then sailed for Holland, and arrived there 
in safety. 

14. At the close of the season, the northern army retired 
into winter-quarters, one division near Morristown, in New- 
Jersey, and the other in the vicinity of West Point, an 
important post in the highlands. Here they endured severe 
and constant suffering from cold, and nakedness, and hun- 
ger. Sometimes half the usual allowance, often less, was 
distributed to the troops ; and more than once the provi- 
sions were wholly exhausted. 

15. Application for relief was made to the magistrates 
of the neighborhood, and intimations were given that pro- 
visions, so pressing were the wants of the army, would 
be seized by force, if not furnished voluntarily. The 
magistrates promptly attended to the call. They levied 
contributions arbitrarily from the people, who submitted 
to these exactions with a degree of patriotism equalled 
only by that displayed by the soldiers in the patient en- 
durance of distress. 

16. Derangement in the finances produced these sufi'er- 
ings. Largo sums had been annually raised and expended ; 
and the ability of the people to pay taxes had progressively 
decreased. To supply deficiencies, paper money, to the 
amount of about one hundred and fifty millions of dollars, 
had been issued. This gradually depreciated, and, at the 
close of 1779, thirty dollars in paper were of no more value 
than one in specie. To purchase provisions with this 
money was at first difficult, and thciJ impossible ; and 
congress now found their funds and their credit exhausted. 

17. A change of system was necessary. For the supply 
of the army, each state was directed to fiirnish a certain 

R 2 



198 REVOLUTIOIN'ARY WAR. [1780. 

quantity of provisions and forage. Loans were solicited 
from the people, and nearly a million of dollars v/as raised 
by bills drawn upon the American agents in Europe, in 
anticipation of loans which they had been authorized to 
procure. These expedients afforded but temporary and 
partial relief. 

18. No class of persons suffered more from the depre- 
ciation of paper money than the army, and especially the 
officers. The pay, even of those of the highest grade, 
was rendered insufficient to provide them with necessary 
clothing. Discontent began to pervade the whole army. 
It required all the enthusiastic patriotism which distin- 
guishes the soldier of principle ; all that ardent attachment 
to freedom which brought them into the field ; all the 
influence of the commander-in-chief, whom they almost 
adored, to retain in the service men who felt themselves 
cruelly neglected by the country whose battles they fought. 



CHAPTER XXII. 
CAMPAIGN OF 1780. 

The first military operations of the enemy, in the year 
1780, were directed against Charleston, the capital of 
South-Carolina. In the beginning of February, Sir Henry 
Clinton appeared before that place, at the head of a part 
of his army. The assembly, which was then sitting, 
delegated to governor Rutledge, a patriot of splendid 
talents, and to his council, " the power to do every thing 
necessary for the public good, except taking away the life 
of a citizen," and adjourned. Armed with this extraordi- 
nary power, he made great exertions to call into action the 
strength of the state, and to place its capital in a posture 
of defence. 

2. The people of the country disregarded his repeated 
calls. Not more than two hundred repaired to Charleston. 
The garrison, commanded by general Lincoln, consisted of 
a body of militia from the country, of the citi?;ens, of one 
thousand North-Carolina militia, and of two thousand re- 
gulars. The nun.ber of the enemy, when all their rein- 
forcements had arrived, amounted to nine thousand. 

3. On the 1st of April, the siege was begun in form, by 
the erection of works at the distance of eleven hundred 



1780.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 199 

yards from the city. On the 9th, tlie fleet, propelled by a 
strong wind, passed the forts on Sullivan's Island, without 
stopping to return their fire, and gained entire com- 
mand of the harbor. On the 14th, lieutenant-colonel 
Tarleton surprised a body of cavalry, which, to preserve a 
communication with the country, had been stationed at 
Monk's corner. Soon after, batteries were erected nearer 
the city, from which the fire was incessant and destruc- 
tive. 

4. An offer to capitulate was then made ; but the British 
commander refused to accept the terms proposed. On his 
part, terms were otfered, which were rejected by general 
Lincoln. The siege was then pressed with increased 
vigor, and approaches made to within musket-shot of the 
American lines. The soldiers within were often killed at 
their guns by the enemy's marksmen. 

5. The citizens, whose intercession had induced general 
Lincoln to determine to defend the place, perceiving that 
preparations for an assault were in forwardness, and seeing 
no hope of relief or escape, now requested him to accept 
the terms which Sir Henry Clinton had proposed. A ne- 
gotiation between the two commanders was, in conse- 
quence, opened, and on the 12th of Blay, the capitulatiom 
was signed. 

6. The capital having surrendered, measures were 
adopted to overawe the inhabitants of the country, and 
induce them to return to their allegiance to the king. 
Garrisons were placed in different parts of the state, and 
2000 men were 'despatched towards North-Carolina, to 
repel several parties of militia, who wore hastening to the 
relief of Charleston. Colonel Tarleton, making a rapid 
march of one hundred and five miles in fifty-four hours, 
met, at the Waxhaws, and attacked one of these parties, 
commanded byljolonel Biiford. His force being superior 
was soon victorious. The vanquished, ceasing to resist, 
implored for quarter. Their cries were disregarded. Up- 
wards of two hundred and fifty were killed, or too badly 
wounded to be removed from the field. This barbarous 
massacre spread dismay throughout the country, and gave 
a sanguinary character to future conflicts. 

7. To avoid being treated as enemies, the greater part 
of the inhabitants either gave their parole as prisoners, 
or submitted to become subjects of the king. Sir 
Henry Clinton, afterwards, by proclamation, discharged the 
former from their parole and called upon all to embody 



SOO REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [178^ 

ns militia in the service of Great Britain. Indignant at 
this dishonorable conduct, which left them only the alter- 
native of fighting for or against their country, multitudes, 
seizing their arms, resolved on a vindictive war with their 
invaders. 

8. A party, who had taken refuge in North-Carolina, 
chose colonel Sumpter their leader. At the head of 
these, he returned to his own state, attacked and defeate** 
several scattered detachments from the British army. V 
one engagement, so decisive was his victory, that nine 
only out of nearly three hundred escaped. By a succes- 
sion of gallant enterprises, he reanimated the friends of 
freedom, and a spirit of determined hostility to Great 
Britain was again manifested in every part of the state. 

9. This spirit was cherished by the approach, from the 
north, of 4000 men, principally continentals, under the 
command of general Gates. On their march through a 
sterile country, they endured all the evils and distresses of 
extreme famine. Lord Cornwallis, whom Clinton, on his 
return to New- York, had left commander-in-chief, hasten- 
ed to oppose, in person, this victorious general. He 
placed himself at the head of two thousand veteran troops 
who had before been stationed at Camden, on the northern 
border of the state. 

10. On the night of the 15th of August, he marched, 
with his whole force, to attack the Americans in theii 
camp at Clermont. They, at the same hour, began to 
move towards Camden. The advanced parties met in the 
night and engaged. In several skirmishes which took 
place, the British obtained the advantage. This made a 
deep impression on the militia, whose spirits were depress- 
ed by gloomy forebodings. 

11. When the m.orning dawned, the enemy advanced to 
the attack. At the first onset, the Virginia militia fled 
from the field, and their example was followed by others. 
The continentals, though left alone to contend with supe- 
rior numbers, maintained the conflict with great firmness. 
For a short time, they had the advantage of their opponents, 
but were at length overpowered, and the flight became 
general. 

12. The fugitives were pursued by Tarleton's legion 
with relentless fury. When all were killed, captured or 
dispersed, the pursuers, with speed unchecked, took the 
route towards Sumpter's encampment. This active par- 
ti^xi, who had lately been victorious in a skirmish, retreat- 



1790. J REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 201 

ed precipitately, on hearing of tha defeat of Gates. At 
the Catawba ford, supposing he was beyond danger, he 
halted, that his troops, who were fatigued, might repose. 
His sentinels slept at their posts, and the legion rode into 
his camp before preparations could be made for defence. 
Between three and four hundred were killed or wounded. 
The remainder were dispersed in the woods ; three hun- 
dred prisoners were released ; all the baggage and stores 
fell into the power of the victors. 

13. Again supposing tlie state to be subdued, Cornwallis 
adopted measures of extreme severity to suppress every 
latent inclination to revolt. He directed that all who, 
having once submitted, liad lately given aid to the armies 
of congress, should be deprived of their property and im- 
prisoned ; and that all, who had once borne arms with the 
British, and afterwards joined the Americans, should suffer 
death. In consequence of these orders, several were exe- 
cuted, and many were reduced to poverty and wretchedness. 

14. In these times of confusion and distress, the mis- 
cliievous effects of slavery in facilitating the conquest of 
the country, became apparent. As the slaves had no 
interest at stake, the subjugation of the states was a mat- 
ter of no consequence to them. Instead of aiding in its 
defence, they, by a variety of means, threw the weight of 
their little influence into the opposite scale. 

15. There were yet some citizens, who, in all fortunes, 
adhered with firmness to the cause of independence. Of 
these, in one part of the state, general Sumpter was the 
leadjir, in another, general Marion. The cavalry of the 
latter were so destitute of the weapons of war, that they 
were obliged to cut their swords from the saws of the 
saw-mills. He was so successful in concealing himself 
in woods and marshes, that the enemy were never able to 
attack or discover him. From these dark retreats he 
often sallied forth, and fell unexpectedly upon parties of 
the enemy, when marching through the country, or posted 
in garrisons to overawe the inhabitants. In one of these 
sallies, he released one hundred and fifty continentals 
captured at Camden. His repeated and successful excur- 
sions preserved alive the spirit of resistance, and his high 
fame as a partizan Avas never tarnished by any violation of 
the laws of war or hiunanity. 

16. Of those who submitted through fear, or from at- 
tachment to the royal cause, major Ferguson, a British 
officer of distinguished merit, was appointed commander. 



aioa REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [ITSOw-' 

He was despatched, by Cornwallis, into the western part 
of North- Carolina, where, other tories joining hira, hia 
force was augmented to 1400 men. An enterprise against 
this party was concerted by the commanders of the militia, 
ixi the adjacent parts of the two Carolinas and Virginia^ 
About the 1st of October, they, by great exertions, assem- 
bled 3000 men at Gilbert-town. From these, fifteen hun- 
dred choice riflemen were selected; who, mounted on the 
best horses, hastened to the attack of Ferguson. 

17. He awaited them on the top of King's mountain. 
The militia, in three divisions, led by colonels Cleveland, 
Shelby, and Campbell, ascended it in different directions. 
These divisions, successively arriving, were each repulsed; 
but each, when the enemy by an attack from a different 
quarter, were recalled from pursuit, returned again to the 
charge. In this manner the action was continued for an 
hour with great spirit. Ferguson was then killed, and 
with him expired the courage of his party. Eight hun- 
dred threw dowTi their arms and became prisoners. One 
hundred and fifty were killed. Very few of the assailants 
fell. 

18. Cornwallis, confident of his ability to subjugate the 
state, bad followed Ferguson into North-Carolina. Re- 
ceiving notice of his entire defeat, he returned and took 
post at Winnsborough. As he retired, Gates, who had 
assembled an army of 1400 men, advanced to Charlotte, 
where he determined to pass the winter. He was soon 
after recalled by congress, and, on the recommendation of 
Washington, general Greene was withdrawn froniv the 
northern army to take command of the departmant of the 
south. 

19. By the northern army, w^hich, as has been stated, 
was posted at West-Point and Morristown, little nriore 
was attempted, during the year, than to watch the motions 
of the enemy, in New- York, and protect the inhabitants 
from their incursions. The troops unfed, unpaid, and 
unemployed, discovered, at various times, a disposition to 
mutiny. On these occasions, the British commander, by 
means of emissaries sent among them, invited theni to 
repair to the city, where he promised them comfort and 
abundance. His invitations were disregarded. Relief 
from distress was all they sought, and when that was ob- 
tained, they cheerfully returned to their duty. 

20. In July, a French squadron under admiral Ternay, 
bringing 6000 troops, commanded by count Rochambeau» 



1780.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 203 

arrived at Rhode Island, which had previously been evac- 
uated by the enemy ; they were iinraediately blockaded 
in the harbor they had entered, by a British lleet. Rein- 
forced by these troops, Washington determined t© atiack 
New- York ; the army marched to stations nearer the city, 
and rejoiced in the hope of being able to accomplish 
something for their country ; but the arrival from Eng- 
land of another fleet, under admiral Rodney, disconcerted 
the plan which had been formed. 

21. Defeat at the south and disappointment at the 
north overshadowed the land with gloom ; but intelli- 
gence that treason had appeared in the American camp 
occasioned amazement and alarm. The traitor was 
Arnold, whom bravery in battle, and fortitude in suffering, 
had placed high in the affections of the people. 

22. Upon the evacuation of Philadelphia, by the enemy, 
in 1778, he was appointed commander of that station. 
Here, indulging in all the pleasures of an expensive equi- 
page and sumptuous table, he contracted debts which he 
was unable to discharge. To extricate himself from 
embarrassment, he made large claims against the govern- 
ment, a portion of which was rejected. He was accused 
of extortion and of misuse of the public money ; and for 
these offences was tried by a court martial and sentenced 
to be reprimanded by the commander-in-chief. 

23. From this moment, he detcrmiaed to avenge his 
wounded pride and supply his wants, by betraying his 
country. In a letter to a British officer, he signified his 
change of priuciple,and his wish to restore himself to the 
favor of his prince, by some signal proof of his repentance. 
And about this time, for a purpose which afterwards too 
plainly appeared, he solicited and obtained the command 
of West-Poiat, the most important post in the possession 
of the American Armies. 

24. He immediately opened a correspondence with Sir, 
Henry Clinton, and proposed to deliver into his power 
the post that he commanded. To agree upon the mode 
of surrender, major Andre, a young man of splendid talents 
and adjutant-general of the British army, ascended the 
river^-ftom New- York, and, in the night, at a place near 
the Americaii lines, had an interview with Arnold. Be- 
fore he was prepared to return, the sloop of war which 
brought him was compelled to move down the river. 

25. In this emergency, Andre, disguised as a traveller, 
assuming the name of Anderson and furnisked by Arnold 



jV 



204 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1780. 

with a pass, set out to return by land to New- York. 
He passed all the guards and posts without awakening 
suspicion ; but was stopped, when near the end of his 
journey, by three of the New- York militia, whose names 
were Paulding, Williams, and Vanwart. Supposing them 
to be soldiers of his own army, instead of producing his 
pass, he declared himself a British officer and desired he 
might not be detained. 

26. On discovering his mistake, he offered them a 
purse of gold and a valuable watch, and promised more 
amnio rewards from his government, if they would per- 
mit him to escape. Rejecting, with patriotism worthy 
of all praise, these tempting offers, they conducted him 
to colonel Jameson, who was stationed near the American 
lines. In his boots were found a particular statement of 
the strength of the garrison, and a description of the 
works at West-Point. Anxious for the safety of Arnold, 
he desired the colonel to inform him that Anderson was 
taken. An express was unwarily despatched with the 
Intelligence. Arnold, comprehending his danger, made a 
precipitate flight to New- York. 

27. Andre, disdaining longer concealment, then avowed- 
himself to be the adjutant-general of the British army. 
Suspicion being now excited, colonel Jameson transmitted 
to the commander-in-chief, who was not far distant, infor- 
mation of all the events whicli had occurred. Washington,, 
hastening to West Point, made arrangements for repelling 
any attack that might be made. Measures of precaution 
being taken, the fate of the prisoner was next to b« 
decided. 

28. His case was referred to a board of officers. Ap- 
pearing before them, he confessed, with ingenuous frank- 
ness, every circumstance relating to himself, but would 
disclose nothing which might involve others in bis mis- 
fortune. He displayed, in all his conduct while a prisorw3r, 
great nobleness of mind ; but the board, constrained by 
duty, reported that he must be considered as a spy, and 
agreeably to the law of nations, ought to suffer death. 

29. Sir Henry Clinton, by whom he was highly esteemed, 
made every exertion in his power to avert his fate. He 
entreated, remonstrated, and threatened. To have yielded, 
would have betrayed timidity and weakness, and encouraged 
future treason. Andre suffered an ignominious death, with 
a degree of composure and fortitude which proved how 
great aiid illustrious he might have been, had he not 



177/.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 203 

stooped, in an evil hour, to the commission of an igno- 
minious action. 

SO. Arnold received, as the reward of his treachery, 
the sum of 10,000 pounds, and the rank of brigadier-gene- 
ral in the British army. But he was detested by his new 
associates, and his name will be for ever synonjnmous 
with infamy and baseness. In contrast with his, how 
bright shines the fame of the three captors of Andre. 
They were not then, nor can they ever be, forgotten by a 
country which owes so much to their fidelity. Each 
received the thanks of congress, a silver medal, and a 
pension for life, wliich has been doubled at a subsequent 
season of greater national prosperity. 

31. At the close of the year 1780, the troops of the 
northern army retired to the winter quarters which they 
had last occupied. Again they endured distress at which 
patriotism feels indignant and humanity weeps. The 
narvest had been abundant. Plenty reigned in the land, 
but want in the camp of its defenders. Selfishness had 
succeeded patriotism, lassitude enthusiasm, in the breasts 
of the people, and congress exerted its powers with too 
little vigor to draw forth the resources of the country. 

32. The soldiers of the Pennsylvania line were station- 
ed at Morristown, in New Jersey. They complained 
that, in addition to sustaining sufferings conmion to all, 
they were retained in service contrary to the terms of 
their enlistments. In the night of the first of January, 
thirteen hundred, on a concerted signal, paraded under 
arms, and declared their intention of marching to Phila- 
delphia, and demanding of congress a redress of their 
grievances. 

33. The officers strove to compel them to relinquish 
their purpose. In the attempt, one was killed and several 
were wounded. General Wayne presented his pist-ols 
as if intending to fire. They held their bayonets to his 
breast ; " We love and respect you," said they, " but if 
you fire you are a dead man. We are not going to the 
enemy. On the contrary, if they were now to come out, 
you should see us fight under your orders with as much 
alacrity as over- But we will be amused no longer ; we 
are determined to obtain what is our just due." 

34. They elected temporary officers, and moved' oflf in 
a body towards Princeton. General Wayne, to prevent 
them from plnndpring the inhabitants, forwarded provisaions 
for their use. Tne next day he followed, and requested 



BO© REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [178L 

them to appoint a man from each regiment, to state to him 
their complaints. The men were appointed, a conference 
held, but he refused to comply with their demands. 

35. They proceeded in good order to Princeton. Three 
emissaries from sir Henry Clinton meeting them here, 
made them liberal offers to entice them from the service of 
congress. The offers were instantly rejected, and the 
emissaries seized and confined in strict custody. Here 
they were also met by a committee of congress, and a 
deputation from the state of Pennsylvania. The latter, 
granting a part of their demands, persuaded them to return 
to their duty. The agents of Clinton were then given up, 
and immediately executed as spies. 

36. This mutiny, and another in the Jersey line, which 
was instantly suppressed, aroused the attention of the 
states to the miserable condition of their troops. The 
amount of three months pay was raised and forwarded 
to them in specie. They received it with joy, as it af- 
forded evidence that their country was not unmindful of 
their sufllerings. 



CHAPTER XXni. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1781, AND TERMINATION 
OF THE WAR. 

In the spring of 1781, the project of besieging New- 
York was again resumed. Requisitions for men and 
stores were made upon the northern states, and, in June, 
the French and American troops, marching from their 
respective positions, encamped together on ground contig- 
uous to the city. But reinforcements and supples arrived 
slowly, and the want of them compelled the troops in the 
field to remain inactive. 

2. In the southern department, far different was the 
fortuite of the opposing armies. That of which general 
Greene took the command, consisted of but 2000 men. 
Nearly one half of these he despatched, under general 
Morgan, into the western section of South-Carolina, where 
a British party, aided by the tories, were plundering and 
murdering the whigs without mercy and without restraint. 

3. Against the American detachment, C'ornwallis des- 
patched Tarleton, with a force crmisiderably superior, and 



1781.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. fi07 

a large proportion of it cavalry. Morgan began to retreat, 
but disdaining to fly from an enemy, and uncertain whether 
he could escape an ofHcer so distinguished as his pursuer 
for the celerity of his movements, he, on the 17th of 
Jar,-.ary, halted at the Cowpens, and determined to hazard 
a battle, before his troops became dispirited and fatigued. 

4. Soon after he had placed his men, the British van 
appeared in sight. Confident of an easy victory,Tarleton 
rushed to the charge with his usual impetuosity. The 
militia posted in front yielded, as directed by Morgan, to 
the shock ; and the infantry composing the second line, 
retreated a few yards. In the ardor of pursuit, the enemy 
were thrown into disorder: the infantry, facing about, 
poured upon them a fire as deadly as it was unexpected. 
Their disorder was increased, and a charge with the bay- 
onet completed their overthrow. One hmidred of the 
enemy were killed, and five hundred made prisoners. 

5. Seldom has a victory, achieved by so small a number, 
been so important in its consequences. It deprived Corn- 
wallis of one fifth of his force, and disconcerted his plans 
for the reduction of North-Carolina. He sought, however, 
to repair, by active exertions, the loss which he had suf- 
fered. Having learnt that Morgan, the instant after his 
victory, had marched with his prisoners towards Virginia, 
he determined, if possible, to intercept him, and compel 
him to restore his trophies. 

6. Now comimenced a military race which has hardly 
its parallel in history. Each army strove to arrive first 
at the fords of the Catawba, from which both were equally 
distant. The American troops endured almost incredible 
hardships. They were sometimes without meat, often 
without flour, and always without spiritous liquors. Many, 
marching over frozen ground without shoes, marked with 
blood every step of their progress. 

7. On the twelfth day after the battle, Morgan reached 
the fords and crossed the Catawba. Two hours after- 
wards, Cornwallis arrived, and, it being then dark, en- 
camped on the bank. In the night, a heavy fall of rain 
made the river impassable. This gave Morgan an oppor- 
tunity to remove the prisoners beyond the reach of his 
pursuer. And here he was joined by general Greene, who, 
leaving the main body of his army, with orders to march 
towards Virginia, had ridden, with but two or three atten- 
jdants, one hundred and fifty miles for that purpose. 

8. At the end of three daya, Cornwallis found mean* tq; 



208 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1777. 

pass the river. The retreat and pursuit again commenced. 
On the second night, the Americans reached a ford on the 
Yadkin. Before all had crossed, the British appeared, 
and a part of the baggage was left in their power. Again 
the two armies lay encamped on the opposite banks, and 
before morning, this river also was made impassable by 
the rain. This second preservation from imminent danger, 
persuaded the Americans that their cause was favored of 
heaven. 

9. The next day, Greene proceeded to Guilford court- 
house, where he was joined by the other division of his 
army. Cornwallis, marching up the Yadkin, crossed at 
the shallow fords near its source. Both armies now started 
for the river Dan, on the borders of Virginia, and distant 
more than one hundred miles. The knowledge that there 
the course must terminate, gave fresh vigor to the troops, 
and a new impulse to their speed. On the fifth day, the 
American army, having, in the last twenty-four hours, 
marched forty miles, crossed the river in boats which had 
been collected for the purpose, and scarcely were they over, 
when the British appeared on the opposite shore. 

10. Chagrined that his adversary had thus eluded his 
grasp, Cornwallis wheeled about and marched sullenly to 
Hillsborough. Here many loyalists resorted to his stand- 
ard. Six hundred Virginia militia having, in the mean 
time, joined the American army, Greene determined to 
recross the Dan, and, by his presence in North- Carolina, 
support the courage of those who had embraced the cause 
of independence. 

1 1 . Cornwallis having detached Tarleton, with his legion, 
to the country on the branches of thev Haw river, in order 
to countenance the rising of the loyalists in that neigh- 
borhood, a body of cavalry, under lieutenant-colonel Lee, 
and of militia under general Pickens, were directed to 
march thither and attack him. Lee, who led the van, 
overtook, in a long lane, a band of tories, on their way to 
the enemy. Mistaking him for Tarleton, they expressed 
a lively joy at the meeting, and declared their zealoua 
attachment to the royal cause. 

12. Hoping to surprise Tarleton, who was but a mile in 
advance, Lee forbore to correct their error ; but while he 
was endeavoring to pass them, the militia came up and 
engaged their rear. Relinquishing his first project, he 
ordered his cavalry to fall upon the tories, who were 
slaughtered without mercy, while protesting they were 



^781.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 209 

* the very best friends ©f the king." Between two and 
three hundred were killed. Tarleton, alarmed by the 
firing, retreated instantly to Hillsborough. On his way, 
he cut down a small party of royalists, mistaking them for 
whig militia. 

13. Leaving Hillsborough, Cornwallis next encamped 
near Guilford court-house. Greene, having been still 
further strengthened by several bodies of militia, pursued 
and offered him battle. On the 15th of March, an en- 
gagement was fought. At the first fire, the North-Carolina 
militia, who were in the front line, fled. The second line 
was also routed. The continentals, who composed the 
third, fought with their usual bravery, and for an hour and 
a half maintained the conflict with great firmness. They 
at length gave way, but retreated in good order, the 
slaughter they had made in the enemy's ranks preventing 
pursuit. Both sides sustained nearly an equal loss. 

14. This victory, won by a far inferior force, was more 
glorious than advantageous to the British army. Greene, 
expecting and desiring to be attacked at his place of retreat, 
made preparations for a second engagement. Cornwallis, 
far from courting a battle, deemed it prudent to retire to 
Wilmington, near the sea. He was pursued for a few 
days, but so excessive had been the sufferings of the 
Americans, from hunger and fatigue, that many fainted on 
the march, and at Ramsay's mills the army halted to seek 
refreshment and repose. 

15. After remaining three weeks at Wilmington, Corn- 
wallis proceeded to Petersburgh, in Virginia. From 
Ramsay's mills, Greene marched towards Camden, where 
were posted nine hundred men, under the command of 
lord Rawdon. He took a position on Hobkirk's hill, 
about a mile from the British entrenchments. At this 
position, the Americans w^ere attacked on the 25th of 
April. In the beginning of the action, their bravery gained 
advantages which, in its progress, were lost by the pre- 
mature retreat of two companies, occasioned by the death 
of all their officers. At this reverse of fortune, Greene 
retired a few miles from the field, both armies having 
sustained nearly an equal loss. 

16. In April and May, several British posts in South- 
Carolina, fell into the power of the brave and active 
partizans, who, with small bodies of troops, were evei 

S resent, where oppression was to be resisted, or glory won. 
larion and L^e invested and took fort Wateon. Orange.. 

S 2 



SIO REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1781.' 

burg and fort Motte surrendered to Sumpter. Lee cap- 
tured fort Granby, and Marion drove from Georgetown 
the troops stationed to defend it. None of these posts 
had numerous garrisons, the prisoners being less, in the 
whole, than eight hundred ; but the advantages they had 
secured to the enemy rendered their capture important to 
the American cause. 

17. About the last of May, lord Rawdon retired to 
Monk's corner, near Charleston, leaving garrisons only at 
Ninety-Six and Augusta. The latter post was besieged 
by Lee, and soon capitulated. Ninety-Six, which was 
nmch stronger, was invested by the main army. The 
siege had continued three weeks, and eventual success 
appeared certain, when intelligence arrived that lord Raw- 
don, having received a reinforcement from Ireland, was 
approaching, with two thousand men, to the relief of the 
place. All hope was now lost of reducing it by the slow 
operation of a siege. On the ISth of June, the Americans, 
with great gallantry, made an assault upon the works. 
They were received with no less gallantry by the garrison, 
and repulsed. Greene then retired towards North-Caro- 
lina, and three days afterwards lord Rawdon arrived at 
Ninety-Six. 

18. During this year, the inhabitants of the Carolinas 
endured calamity and distress, from which humanity revolts 
with horror. The country was ravaged and plundered by 
both armies. The people, in sentiment, were about equally 
divided. Village was hostile to village, and neighbor to 
neighbor ; and their hostility had been embittered by accu- 
sation and retort, by attack and reprisal, until pillage, 
burning, and murder, became familiar to all. Whenever 
a republican or royalist fell into the power of an adversary, 
he was instantly sacrificed in revenge of a friend, or to 
gratify political hatred. It is asserted' that, in this man- 
ner, thousands were put to death. Each party aimed at 
the extirpation of the other, and the whole country pre- 
sented an unvaried scene of blood and slaughter. But 
censure ought not to rest' equally upon the two parties. 
In the commencement of the contest, the British, to terrify 
the people into submission, set an example which the tories 
were quick, but the whigs slow, to follow; and in its pro- 
gress the American generals, and they alone, seized every 
occasion to discountenance such vindictive and barbarous 
conduct. 

19. Lord Rawdon having returned, -v England, the eom» 



1781.1 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 21 i 

mand of the British troops, in South-Carolina, devolved 
upon lieutenant-colonel Stewart. In the beginning of 
September, he took post at Eutaw. Greene marched 
against him from the High Hills of Santee. Their forces 
were equal, amounting on each side to two thousand men. 
On the 8th, a battle was fought, more bloody perhaps than 
any which had occurred during the war. The attack was 
made by the Americans ; the British, resolute and brave, 
made an obstinate resistance, but were at length driven 
in disorder from the field. 

20. A small number, on their retreat, took possession 
of a large brick house, and others of an adjoining picketed 
garden. From these strong positions, a deadly fire was 
poured upon the Americans, who persisted, for a long time, 
in a rash attempt to take them by storm. This check 
enabled the British commander to rally his broken bat- 
talions, and bring them again into action. Greene, des- 
pairing of further success, withdrew his troops, carrying 
with him his wounded and prisoners. 

21. The loss on both sides was uncommonly great, in 
proportion to the numbfirs engaged. On the American 
side, the number of killed and wounded amounted to five 
hundred and fifty ; on that of the British, as stated by 
themselves, to almost seven hundred. This sanguinary 
battle was followed by the retreat of the British army 
towards Charleston. The Americans pursued, and by 
establishing a chain of posts at a short distance from that 
city, protected the state from their incursions. 

22. C-ornwallis, who left North-Carolina in April, arrived 
at Petersburgh, in Virginia, on the 20th of May. He there 
formed a junction with a British detachment, which, com- 
manded at first by Arnold and afterwards by Phillips, had 
previously gained possession of Richmond and Portsmouth. 
With the force now at his command, he flattered himself 
that he should be able to add this state also to the list of 
his conquests. 

23. The American troops, stationed in Virginia for its 
defence, were indeed entirely insufficient to oppose any 
effectual resistance. Under their gallant leader, the 
Marquis de la Fayette, they accomplished even more than 
was expected ; but were unable to prevent the enemy from 
marching through the country, and destroying much public 
and private property. 

24. From these excursions, Cornwallis was recalled to 
the sea-coast by his coi . . nder- in-chief, vv'ho, having inter- 



212 REVOLUTIONARY WAR; [178t^ 

cepted A letter from Washington to Congress, became ac- 
quainted with the danger which tlireatened New-York. He 
"was directed to take a position near the ocean, where his 
army and the fleet might aiford mutual protection, until the 
event of the operations of the north should be known. He 
selected Yorktown and Gloucester point, situated on oppo- 
site sides of York-river, which empties into Chesapeake 
bay. He had an army of more than 10,000 men, and ap- 
plied all his means, with unwearied industry and zeal, to 
fortify these commanding positions. 

25. In the mean time, but little progress had been made ' 
in the preparations to besiege New- York. Of the 6000 
men, whom the northern states were required to furnish 
for that purpose, a few hundred only, at the beginning of 
August, had joined the army. On the other hand, the 
enemy in the city had been strengthened by the arrival of 
3000 Germans. In this posture of affairs, the idea of an 
expedition against Cornwallis occurred to the commander- 
in-chief. While deliberating on the enterprise, he received 
information that a French fleet, under the count de Grasse, 
with 3000 troops on board, was on the way to America, 
and destined to the Chesapeake. 

26. He hesitated no longer, but determined to conduct 
the expedition in person. The show of an intention to 
attack New- York, was nevertheless preserved. After 
the troops left their respective positions, and crossed the 
Hudson, their march was so directed as to lead Sir Henry 
Clinton to believe that it was the object of W^ashington 
to gain possession of Staten Island, in order to facilitate 
his designs against the city. The despatches he had in- 
tercepted assisted to deceive him, and not until the army 
had crossed the Delaware, and was thus beyond the reach 
of pursuit, did he suspect the real object of his adversary. 

27. He then determined to profit by his absence, or 
recall him, by some daring enterprise at the north. Giving 
to the traitor Arnold, who had just returned from Virginia, 
the command of a strong detachment, he sent him against 
New-London, a flourishing city situated upon the river 
Thri.nes, in his native state. Nearly opposite, on a hill 
in Groton, stood fort Griswold, which was then garrisoned 
by militia, hastily summoned from their labors in the 
field. 

28. Against this fort Arnold despatched a part of his 
troops. It was assaulted on three sides at the same m(V» 
Tiont. The garrison, fighting in view of their piropeTiy 



1781.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 213 

and their homes, made a brave and obstinate resistance. 
By their steady and well directed fire, many of the assail- 
ants were killed. Pressing forward with persevering 
ardor, the enemy entered the fort through the embrazures. 
Immediately all resistance ceased. Irritated by gallantry 
which should have caused admiration, a British officer 
inquired who commanded the fort. " 1 did," said colonel 
Ledyard, " but you do now," and presented him his sword. 
He seized it, and with savage cruelty plunged it into his 
bosom. This was the signal for an indiscriminate mas- 
sacre. Of one hundred and sixty men, composing the 
garrison, all but forty were killed or wounded, and most 
of them after resistance had ceased. Seldom has the 
glory of victory been tarnished by such detestable bar- 
barity. The enemy then entered New London, which 
was set on fire and consumed. The property destroyed 
was of immense value. Perceiving no other object within 
the reach of his force, Arnold led back his troops to New- 
York. 

29. The march of Washington was not arrested by this 
barbarous inroad. He pressed forward with the utmost 
speed, the great object in view imparting vigor to his troops. 
At Chester, he received the cheering intelligence, that 
admiral de Grasse had entered the Chesapeake with a force 
sufficiently strong to prevent the escape of the enemy by 
water. On the 25th of September, the last division of 
the allied forces arrived at the place appointed for their 
meeting. The whole consisted of 16,000 men, and was 
furnished with a large and powerful train of battering 
artillery. 

30. A body of troops under general de Clioise was sta- 
tioned to watch the small garrison at Gloucester Point, 
on the north bank of the river ; and on the 28th the several 
divisions, destined to besiege the main garrison at York- 
town, reached the positions assigned them. On the night 
of the 6th of October, advancing to within 600 yards i)f 
the enemy's lines, they begun their first parallel, and 
labored with such silence and diligence, that they were 
not discovered until morning, when the works they had 
raised were sufficient to protect them. 

31. On the 9th, several batteries being completed, a 
heavy cannonade was begun. Many of the enemy's guns 
were dismounted, and portions of their fortifications laid 
level with the ground. On the night of the 11th, tha 
besiegers commenced their second parallel, thjree hundjred 



^14 KEVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1781* 

yards in ndvance of the first. This approach was mad© 
BO much sooner than was expected, that the men were 
not discovered at their labor, until they had rendered them' 
selves secure from all molestation in front. The fire trom 
the new batteries was still more furious and destructive. 

32. From two British redoubts, in advance of their main 
works, and flanking those of the besiegers, the men in the 
trenches were so severely annoyed that Washington re- 
solved to storm them. The enterprise against one was 
committed to an American, that against the other to a 
French detachment. Colonel Hamilton, who led the van 
of the former, made such an impetuous attack, that pos- 
session was soon obtained, with little slaughter. Retalia- 
tion for the carnage at fort Griswold might have been 
justified. But "the soldiers," said colonel Hamilton, 
" incapable of imitating examples of barbarity, and for- 
getting recent provocation, spared every man that ceased 
to resist." The French detachment was equally brave 
and successful, but, opposed by a stronger force, sustained 
a more considerable loss. 

33. Cornwallis, perceiving no hope of safety but in flight, 
attempted, on the evening of the 16th, to cross over to 
Gloucester, intending to force his way through the troops 
under de Choise, and proceed by rapid marches to New- 
York. Before reaching the opposite shore, with the first 
division of his army, a storm dispersed his boats and com- 
pelled him to abandon the project. 

34. On the morning of the 17th, additional batteries 
were completed by the besiegers. The cannonade became 
too powerful to be resisted. The enemy's works were 
sinking rapidly under it, and nearly all their guns were 
silenced. Before noon, Cornwallis beat a parley, and pro- 
posed that commissioners should be appointed to settle 
terms of surrender. They were accordingly appointed, 
and on the 19th of October, the terms which they had 
agreed upon were ratified by the respective commanders. * 

35. The naval force in the harbor was surrendered to 
de Grasse, the garrison to the American general. To the 
garrison, the same terms were granted as had been con- 
ceded to the troops who capitulated at Charleston ; and 
ffeneral Lincoln, who was present, was designated by 
Washington to receive the sword of Cornwallis. The 
number of prisoners exceeded seven thousand, of whom 
nearly three thousand were not fit for duty. 

^ Uu m> occasion during the war, did the Ameiic^a, 



1782.] RF.VOLUTIONARY WARr fil5 

people manifest greater exultation and joy* To the Giver 
of all good, they united in rendering, with grateful hearts, 
thanksgiving and praise fur the decisive victory which he 
had enabled them to gain. From the nature and duration 
of the contest, the affections of many had been so con- 
centrated upon their country, and so intense was their 
interest in its fate, that the news of this brilliant success 
produced the most rapturous emotions, under the operation 
of which some were deprived of their reason, and one 
aged patriot in Philadelphia expired. 

37. The loss of a second entire army extinguished every 
hope, which the people of Great Britain had entertained, 
of the subjugation of their colonies. Their burdens, which, 
although heavy, they had borne with patience, while 
animated by the prospect of success, now pressed with 
intolerable weight. They demanded, with an almost 
unanimous voice, that an end should speedily be put to a 
hopeless and ruinous war. But the speech of the king to 
parliament, at theopeningof the winter session, discovered, 
that his feelings and determination remained unchanged. 
Bearing no portion of the burdens of war, he felt, with 
undiminished force, his reluctance to part with the au- 
thority which he had once exercised over three millions 
of subjects. 

38. But the house of commons, speaking the sentiments 
of the people, expressed, in energetic language, their dis- 
approbation of all further attempts to reduce the colonies 
to obedience by force. Lord North, contrary to the wishes 
of his sovereign, then resigned the office of prime minister. 
Another cabinet was formed, who advised the king to 
concede independence to the colonies. Early in the spring 
of 1782, pacific overtures were accordingly made to the 
American government, and both nations desisted from 
hostile measures. 

39. Congress had previously appointed John Adams, of 
Massachusetts, a commissioner to treat with Great Britain, 
whenever her government should express a desire for 
peace. He was one of the earliest opposers of parlia- 
mentary encroachment. Actuated by hatred of tyranny 
as well as love of country, he had, before resistance was 
contemplated by others, devoted all the energies of his 
powerful mind to the work of enlightening the people, and 
preparing them for the contest which he fore^w was 
approaching. In the continental congress he was conspic- 
uous for his talents and zeal. Appointed minister to 



^ 



S16 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1783. 

Holland, he succeeded in obtaining a loan at Amsterdam^ 
when the resources of his country were almost exhausted, 
and in concluding with that republic a treaty of amity and 
commerce. 

40. As colleagues with him, congress now appointed 
Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens. The 
first was minister to France. He was beloved by his 
country for the services he had rendered her ; and illus- \. 
trious throughout the world for his inventive genius and " 
practical philosophy. John Jay was a native of New-York ; . 
was distinguished for the purity of his moral character, 
and his attachment to the rights of mankind. He had 
long been a mednber of congress, and was then the repre- 
sentative of the United States at the Spanish court. 
Henry Laurens was a citizen of South-Carolina, had been 
president of congress, had been appointed minister to 
Holland, but when crossing the ocean, was captured by a 
British cruiser and co-nfined, on a charge of treason, to the 
tower of London. In the endurance of sufferings in his 
country's cause, he displayed a character formed after the 
models of antiquity. 

4L To negotiate with these, Mr. Oswald was appointed 
on the part of Great Britain. The conferences were held 
at Paris, where, in November, 1782, preliminary articles 
were agreed upon. These were to form the basis of a 
definitive treaty, the conclusion of which was deferred 
until peace should take place between France, the ally of 
the United States, and Great Britain. That event oc- 
curred on the third day of December, 1783 ; and, on the 
same day, a definitive treaty between the parent country 
and her late colonies was also signed. 

42. The provisions of the treaty attest the zeal and 
ability of the American negotiators, as well as the liberal 
feelings which actuated the new British ministry. The 
independence of the United States was fully acknowledged. 
The right of fishing on the banks of Newfoundland, and 
certain facilities in the enjoyment of that right, were 
secured to them for ever ; and territory was ceded to them 
more extensive than the most sanguine had dared to anti- 
eipate or to hope. During the negotiation, France, to 
ensure the future dependence of her allies upon herself, 
endeavored, by secret intrigues, to prevent them from 
obtaining as favorable terms as even their late enemies 
were willing to grant — a striking proof of the selfishness 
of nations. 



17^.] REVOLUTIONARY WAB. 617 

43. While the negotiations were pending, tlie American 
troops were retained in service, but remained unemployed 
at their various stations. They saw Math pleasure the 
end of their toils api)roaching, but apprehended, that their 
country, when she no longer needed their services, would 
forget with what zeal and fidelity they had been rendered. 
The officers, especially, dreaded that, after having, for 
want of pay, expended their private fortunes, and after 
having exluusted their strength in the performance of 
arduous and protracted services, they should be dismissed 
in poverty, without any secure provision for their future- 
support. 

44. In the course of tho war, a resolution had been 
adopted by congress, stipulating that the officers, after 
being disbanded, should receive half-pay for life. This 
resolution had never been ratified by the requisite number of 
states, and no safe reliance could therefore be placed upon it. 
In December, ITSS, the officers forwarded to congress a 
petition praying that all arrears which were due to them 
might be discharged, and that, instead of half-pay for life, 
a sum equal to five years full pay should be paid or secured 
to them wiien disl)andcd. 

45. The delay of congress to comply with this request 
produced an alarming agitation in that portion of the army 
stationed at Newburgh. An address to the officers was 
privately circulated, written with great ability, and admira- 
bly well fitted to work upon those passions which recent 
sufferings and gloomy forebodings had excited in every 
bosom. The writer boldly recommended that, as all the 
applications to the sympatliy and justice of congress had 
failed of success, an appeal should be made to their fears. 

46. Fortunately the commander-in-chief was in camp. 
Though conscious that the officers had just cause of com- 
plaint, he was aware that duty to his country and even 
friendship for them, required that he should prevent the 
adoption of rash and disorderly expedients to obtain re- 
dress. Calling them together, he, by a calm and sensible 
address, persu ed them to rely still longer upon the dis- 
position of congress to perform for them whatever the 
limited means of the nation would permit. 

47. In a letter to that body, giving an account of these 
occurrences, he maintained and enforced the claims of the 
officers with such pathos and strength of reasoning, that 
their request was granted. In November, 1783, the 
PATRIOT ARMY was disbanded, and again mingled with 

T 



218 CONFEDERATION. [1786» 

their fellow citizens. In the same month, New- York 
was evacuated by the British troops. General Wash- 
iiigton, taking an affectionate leave of his officers, repaired 
to Annapolis, whero congress was sitting, and there, at a 
public audience, with dignity and sensibility, resigned his 
commission as commander-in-chief of the American 
armies. Then, with a character illustrious throughout 
the world, he returned to his residence at Mount Vernon, 
possessing the sincere love and profound veneration of his 
countrymen. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 
ADOPTION OF THE CONSTITUTION, 

AND 

WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1 Independence and peace did not immediately produce 
all the advantages which had been anticipated by an ardent 
and sanguine people. The evils of war were protracted 
beyond its duration. Public and private debts bore heavily 
upon the people, restraining their enterprise and demanding 
all their resources. 

I 2. Unsupported by the sense of immment and common 
danger, the articles of confederation were found insufficient 
to accomplish the purposes of a national government. They 
conferred upon congress the power, not to raise money, 
hut merely to make requisitions upon the states. These 
were often disregarded, no authority being given to en- 
force obedience. The revenue was therefore deficient, 
the public creditors were unpaid, and the national securities 
or evidences of debt depreciated so low that they were 
often sold for one eighth of their nominal value. 

3. Neither did these articles confer the power to regulate 
commerce. Congress, therefore, could not make conmier- 
cial treaties with foreign nations which would be obligatory 
upon the individual states. Unprotected by treaties, and 
imsupported by countervailing regulations, the American 
niis*chants werp denied all participation, except on terms 
at once burde some and degrading, in the commerce of 
the world. T' e trade between the several states, which 



1796.] CONFEDERATION. 019 

were considered separate and Independent eovereigntiet, 
wat also embarrassed by numerous restrictions, producing 
frequent collisions, and diminishing the benefits which 
naturally flow from the unfettered enterprise and industry 
of man. Commerce languished ; and from the want of 
its vivifying influenee, all the energies of the country were 
donnant. 

4. To remedy these evils, congress applied to the states 
for a grant of the power to regulate commerce, and to 
collect a revenue from it. New- York alone refused ; but 
as unanimity was requisite, her single negative defeated 
the project. In the mean time, the distress increased, 
and in Massachusetts, where it was greatest, urged to 
insurrection a portion of the inhabitants. Near the close 
of the year 178G, they assembled, to the number of two 
thousand, in the northwestern part of the state, and, choos- 
ing Daniel Shays their leader, demanded that the collec- 
tion of debts should be suspended, and that the legislature 
should authorize the emission of paper money for general 
circulation. 

5. Two bodies of militia, drawn from those parts of the 
state where disaffection did not prevail, were immediately 
dpspatched against them, one under the command of gene- 
ral Lincoln, tke other of general Shepard. ♦They were 
easily dispersed ; and afterwards abandoning their seditious 
purposes, accepted the proffered indemnity of the govern- 
ment. 

6. So early as 1783, John Adams, being then minister 
in Europe, and seeing in what light the American con- 
federation was regarded by foreign nations, suggested to 
congress the expediency of effecting a closer union of the 
Btates, and of conferring more efficient powers upon the 
general government. A conviction of the necessity of 
such a course was also felt by general Washington, aid 
most of the distinguished patriots of that period. In Sep- 
tember, 1786, upon the proposition of Mr. Madison, of 
Virginia, a convention of commissioners from five of the 
middle states, was held at Annapolis, for the purpose of 
devising and recommending to the states a uniform system 
of commercial regulations. 

7. These commissioners, afler deliberating upon the 
subject, came to the conclusion that nothing short of a 
thorough reform of the existing government should be 
attempted. This opinion was expressed in the report of 
their proo«odings, which was laid before confess- That 



290 CONFEDERATION. [1787* 

fcody ftciopte^, in consequence, a resolution rocommendinff 
that a convention of delegates from all the states should 
be held at Philadelphia, for the purpose of revising the 
articles of confederation, and reporting such alterations as 
would render the federal constitution adequate to the 
exigencies of government, and the preservation of the union. 

8. With tnis recommendation all the states, except 
Rhode Island, complied ; and in May, 1787, the convention 
met. Of this body of venerable and illustrious statesmen, 
George Washington was unanimously elected president. 
They deliberated with closed doors, and at the end of 
four months, agreed upon a constitution for the United 
States of America, which, after being reported to congress, 
was submitted for ratification to conventions holden in the 
respective states. 

9. This constitution, under which the citizens of this 
republic have enjoyed such unexampled happiness and 
prosperity, differs, in many particulars, from the articles 
of confederation. It connects the states more closely 
together, by establishing a general and supreme govern- 
ment composed of three departments, legislative, executive, 
and judicial. 

10. The legislative department consists of a senate and 
house of representatives, and is styled the congress. The 
members of the house are chosen by tlie people, and hold 
their offices two years. They are apportioned among the 
several states, according to the number of inhabitants, as 
ascertained every tenth year by the census, deducting 
two fifths of the slaves. 

11. The senators are the representatives of the states, 
In their sovereign capacity, and are chosen by the state 
legislatures, each choosing two. The constitution ordained 
that on assembling at the first session, they should be 
divided, as equally as possible, into three classes. Those 
composing the first class were to hold their offices but two 
yeajjs ; those composing the second class, four years ; ' 
those composing the third, six years. All subsequently 
chosen were to hold their offices six years, except such as 
should be chosen to supply the places of those who died or 
resigned. Besides their legislative power, they have, in 
concurrence with the executive, a voice in all appoint- 
ments to office, and in the ratification of treaties. 

12. The executive power is vested in a president ap- 
pointed by electors. These electors are chosen in the 
Kjespectiva etatea, in such mannej as the differanl legisla- 



1787.] CONFEDERATION. fiS^ 

tures may prescribe, and are equal in number to the sena- 
tors and representatives from the state in congress. If, 
however, no person receives a majority of the votes of 
these electors, the president is then chosen by the repre- 
sentatives, those from each state having but one vote. 
He is elected for four years ; but he may be impeached by 
ihe house, tried by the senate, and, if convicted of mis- 
conduct, may be removed from office. He is commander- 
in-chief of the land and naval forces. He nominates to 
the senate all officers of the general government, a.nd with 
the advice and consent of two-thirds of that bo^y, ratifies 
treaties. A vice-president is chosen at the same time, 
and in the same manner, to perform all the duties of 
president when that office is vacant by death, resignation^ 
or removal. 

13. To pass a law the house and senate must concur, 
and it is then to be sent to the president, who must approve 
it. If he does not approve it, he must return it with his 
objections ; and it must then be agreed to by two-thirds 
of both branches. Laws thus enacted are obligatory upon 
the citizens individually, and may be executed by officers 
appointed by the president and senate. Under the con- 
federation, the ordinances of congress operated only upon 
the states, and no efficient mode was provided for enforc- 
ing them. 

14. The constitution confers on congress the power to 
declare war ; to raise and support armies ; to provide and 
maintain a navy ; to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, 
0^ excises ; to regulate commerce ; to coin money ; and 
all other powers of a general or national character. It 
diminishes, in no respect, the liberty of the citizen, but 
transfers a portion of the powers, previously exercised by 
the state governments, to the government of the union. 

15. The judicial power of the United States is vested 
in a supreme court, and such inferior courts as the congress 
may establish ; and it extends to all cases arising under 
the constitution, the laws of congress, and treati.js ; to all 
cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to all con- 
troversies between citizens of different states, and between 
foreigners and -citizens : the judges hold their offices during 
good behavior. 

16. The new constitution found opposers as well as 
advocates, and both were equally zealous. The former, 
ardently attached to liberty, imagined uiat rulers posses- 
sing such extensiyfi sway, such abundant ijataropage aodl 

T 2 



f^^ WASHINGTON'S [1789> 

«nch Inc^r^en^ent tenure of office, would become fond of 
the exercise of power, and in the end, arrogant and tyranni- 
cal. The latter professed equal attachment to liberty, but 
contended that, to preserve it, an energetic government 
was necessary. They described, with powerful effect, the 
evils actually endured from the inefficiency of the con- 
federation, and demanded that a trial at least should be 
made of the remedy proposed. These took the name of 
federalists, as friendly to a union of the states ; the appel- 
lation of anti-federalists was given to their antagonists. 

17. In the conventions of eleven states, a majority, 
though in some instances a small one, decided in favor of 
its ratification. Provision was then made for the election 
of the officers to compose the executive and legislative 
departments. To the highest station, the electors, by a 
unanimous vote, elected George Washington, illustrious 
for his virtues and military talents. To the second, that 
of vice-president, by a vote nearly unanimous, they ele- 
vated John Adams, who, in stations less conspicuous, had, 
with equal patriotism, rendered important services to his 
country. 

18. The fourth of March, 1789, was the day designated 
for the new government to commence its operations. The 
delays incident to its first organization, prevented the 
inauguration of the president, until the 30th of April, 
The ceremony was witnessed, with inexpressible joy, by 
an immense concourse of citizens. In an impressive 
address to both houses of congress, he declared, with 
characteristic modesty, his " incapacity for the mighty and 
nntried cares before him," and offered his "fervent suppli- 
cations to that Almighty Being, whose providential aid 
ean supply every human defect, that hia benediction would 
consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of 
tlie United States, a government instituted by themselves 
for these essential purposes ; and would enable every 
instrument, employed in its administration, to execute, 
with success, the functions allotted to his charge." 

19. He also expressed his firm conviction, " that th« 
foundation of our national policy would be laid in the pure 
and immutable principles of private morality; and that 
the pre-eminence of a free government would be exem- 
plified by all the attributes which can win the affections 
of its citizens, and command the respect of the world." 

SO. *' I dwell, said he, " on this prospect with every 
s&SifcTaotion wlueh an ardent love for my country cim 



1790.] ADMINISTOATION. 223 

inspire ; since there is no truth more thoroughly estab- 
lished, than that there exists, in the economy and coirrae 
of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happi- 
ness ; between duty and advantage ; between the genuine 
maxiTns of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the 
solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity ; and since 
the destiny of the republican model of government is 
justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked 
on tlie experiment intrusted to the American people." 

21. To establish a revenue suJfRcient for the support of 
government, and for the discharge of the debt contracted 
in the revolutionary war, was the first object of congress. 
For this purpose, duties were laid on the importation of 
merchandise, and on the tonnage of vessels; and from 
these sources were drawn into the national treasury, 
funds which had before been collected and appropriated 
by the states on the sea coast. 

22. Laws, creating a department of state, of the trea- 
snry, and of war, were enacted ; and Mr. Jefferson, Mr 
Hamilton, and general Knox, appointed secretaries or 
principals. A national judiciary was constituted and 
organized. A resolve w^as passed, directing the secretary 
of the treasury to prepare a plan for the support of public 
credit ; and amendments to the constitution were pro- 
posed, which were subsequently ratified by the states ; 
and which, removing many of the objections made to it, 
rendered it acceptable to all. 

23. After the adjournment of congress, the president 
made a tour through New-England, where he vi'as re- 
ceived by the inhabitants with an affection bordering on 
adoration. People of all classes crowded to behold the 
man whose virtues and talents exalted him, in their view, 
above the heroes of ancient and modern times; and to 
present to him the undissembled homage of their grateful 
hearts. But to none did his visit give more exquisite 
pleasure than to the officers and soldiers of the " patriot 
army," who had been his companions in suffering and 
in victory, who were endeared to him by their bravery 
and fidelity in war, and by the magnanimity with which, 
in peace, they endured unmerited neglect and poverty. 

24. At the next session of congress, which commenced 
in Januar>^ 1700, INIr. Hamilton, the secretary of the 
treasury, made his celebrated report upon the public debts 
contracted during the revolutionary war. Taking an able 
aitd enlaiJfied view of tlie advantage of public credit, hs 



224 WASHINGTON'S [1790. 

recommended that, not only the debts of tho continental 
congress, but those of the states arising from their exer- 
tions in the common cause, should be funded or assumed 
by the general government ; and that provision should be 
made for paying the interest, by imposing taxes on certain 
articles of luxury, and on spirits distilled within the 
country. 

25. Upon this report an animated debate took place. 
Its recommendations were opposed by that' party who had 
seen, or thought they had seen, in the constitution, many 
features hostile to freedom, and who remembered that 
Mr, Hamilton, when a member of the convention, had 
proposed that the president and senate should be ap- 
pointed to hold their offices during good behavior. They 
now expressed their fears, that the assumption of these 
debts would render the government still stronger, by 
drawi-ng around it a numerous and powerful body of pub- 
lic creditors, who, in all its contests with the states or the 
people, would be bound, by the strongest of all ties, that 
of interest, to support it whether right or wrong. This 
party, existing principally in the southern states, and pro- 
fessing an ardent attachment to the equal rights of man, 
took the name of republican. 

26. Mr. Madison proposed, that whenever the public 
securities had been transferred, the highest price which 
they had borne in the market should be paid to the pur- 
chaser, and the residue to the original holder. After an 
eloquent debate, this proposition was rejected. Tlie 
party denominated federal, and existing principally in the 
northern states, supported throughout, with great ability 
and force of reasoning, the plans of the secretary ; but on 
taking the vote in the house of representatives, they were 
rejected by a majority of two. 

27. Afterwards this national measure was connected, 
as is too frequently the case in legislative bodies, with 
one which had excited much local feeling. It was under- 
stood that, should the seat of government be fixed for ten 
years at Philadelphia, and afterwards permanently at a 
place to be selected on the Potomac, some southern 
members would withdraw their opposition to the funding 
system. A law to that effect was accordingly enacted. 
The former discussion was then resumed. The plans of 
the secretary were adopted in the senate and afterw^ards 
in the house, two members representing districts on the 
PoJtMTfiac, changing their votes. T\^ debt funded amount* 



1791.] AUMINlSTliATION. 125 

ed to 1 little more than seventy-five millions of dollars ; 
upon a part of which three per cent, and upon the remain- 
dei six per cent interest was to be paid. 

28. The effect of this measure was great and rapid. 
The.{)rice of the public paper, which had fallen to tw^elve 
or fifteen cents on the dollar, suddenly rose to the sum 
expressed on the face of it. This difference was gained, 
in most instances, by purchasers of the securities, who, 
feeling indebted, for this immense accession of w^ealth, 
to the plans of the secretary, regarded him with enthusi- 
astic attachment. Bat in others, this wealth, suddenly 
acquired without merit, excited envy and dissatisfaction. 
These jpined the republican party; who, fancying they 
were witnessing the fulfilment of their prediction, be- 
came mo^e active in their opposition. 

29. Tke recommendation of the secretary to impose 
additionsll duties, was not acted upon until the next session 
of congress. Those on distilled spirits were proposed in 
ordei to render the burdens of the inhabitants beyond the 
Alleghany mountains, where no other spirits were con- 
sumed, equal to those of the inhabitants on the sea coast, 
who consumed most of the articles on which an import 
duty was paid. In the beginning of the year 1791, they 
were laid as proposed. A national bank, recommended 
also by the same officer, was in the same year incorpo- 
rated. Both measures met a violent opposition from the 
republican party. 

30. When the new government was first organized, 
but eleven states had ratified the constitution. After- 
wards, North-Carolina and Rhode Island, the two dis- 
senting states, adopted it; the former in November, 1789, 
the latter in May, 1790. In 1791, Vermont adopted it, 
and applied to congress to be admitted into the union. 
The territory of this state, situated between New-Hamp- 
shire and New- York, was claimed by both, and both had 
made grants of land within its limits. In 1777, the 
inhabitants, refusing to submit to either, declared them- 
selves independent. Although not represented in the 
continental congress, yet, during the war, they embraced 
the cause of their brethren in the other states, and to 
them their aid was often rendered, and was always 
efficient, ^^k^jiffeeably to their request, an act was now 
passed, constituting Vermont one of the members of the 
union. An act was also passed, declarmg that the district 
of Kentucky, then a part of Virginia, should be admitted 



S26 WASHINGTON'S [179S, 

into the union on the first day of June, in the succeeding 
year. 

31. In 1791, was completed the first census or enumer- 
ation of the inhabitants of the United States. They 
amounted to 3,921,326, of which number 695,655 were 
slaves. The revenue, according to the report of the 
secretary of the treasury, amounted to 4,771,000 dollars, 
the exports to about nineteen, and the imports to about 
twenty millions. A great improvement in the circumstan- 
ces of the people began at this period to be visible. The 
establishment of a firm and regular government, and con- 
fidence in tlie men whom they had chosen to administer 
it, gave an impulse to their exertions which bore them 
rapidly forward in the career of prosperity. 

32. In 1790, a termination was put to the war which, 
for several years, had raged between the Creek Indians 
and the state of Georgia. Pacific overtures were also 
made to the hostile tribes inhabiting the banks of the 
Scioto and the Wabash. These being rejected, an army 
of 1400 men, commanded by general Harmer, wjts des- 
patched against them. Two battles were fought near 
Chilicothe, in Ohio, between successive detachments 
from this army and the Indians, in which the latter were 
victorious. 

33. Emboldened by these successes, they made more 
vigorous attacks upon the frontier settlements, which 
suffered all the distressing calamities of an Indian war. 
Additional troops were raised, and the command of the 
whole was given to general St. Clair. With near 2000 
men, he marched, in October, into the wilderness. By 
desertion and detachments, this force was reduced to 
fourteen hundred. On the third of November, they en- 
camped a few miles from the villages on the Miami, 
intending to remain there until joined by those who were 
absent. 

34. But before sunrise, the next morning, just after the 
troops were dismissed from the parade, they were attacked 
unexpectedly by the Indians. The new levies, who were 
in front, rushed back in confusion upon the regulars. 
These, who had been hastily formed, were thrown into 
disorder. They, hov/ever, with great intrepidity, ad- 
vanced into the midst of the enemy, who retired from 
covert to covert, keeping always beyond reach, and again 
returning as soon as the' troops were recalled from pursuit. 
In tlieeo charges many brave and experienced officers 



1795.] ADMINISTRATION. 227 

were killed ; the loss of men was also great, and no per- 
manent impression was made upon the enemy. 

35. At length, after a contest of three or four hours, St. 
Clair, whose ill health disabled him from performing the 
active duties of commander, determined to withdraw from 
the field the remnant of his troops. The instant that the 
directions to retire were given, a disorderly flight com- 
monced. Fortunately for the survivers, the victorious 
Indians were sooi recalled from pursuit to the camp, by 
their avidity for plunder; and the vanquished continued 
their retreat unmolested to the frontier settlements. 

36. In this battle, the numbers engaged on each side 
were supi)Osed to be equal. Of the whites, the slaughter 
was almost beyond example. Six hundred and thirty were 
killed and missing, and two hundred and sixty were wound- 
ed — a loss which proves at once the obstinacy of the 
defence, and the bravery of the assailants. On receiving 
information of this disaster, congress, resolving to prose- 
cute the war with increased vigor, made provision for 
augmenting, by enlistment, the military force of the nation 
to 5000 men. 

37. In the autumn of 1792, general Washington was 
again unanimously elected president of the American 
republic, and in March, 1793, was inducted into office. 
Mr. Adams was re-elected vice-president, in opposition 
to George Clinton, of New- York. In the progress of 
these elections, but little party feeling was exhibited ; the 
repose of society was not disturbed, but the citizens raised 
to posts of the highest honor those whom their judgments 
and affections designated as the most worthy. 

38. While the Americans, with but little alloy, were 
enjoying, under a government of their own choice, the 
blessings of independence and freedom, the people of 
France, by whose aid these blessings had been acquired, 
were experiencing all the miseries of anarchy. Greviously 
oppressed by institutions originating in times of ignorance 
and barbarism, they had risen in the majesty of physical 
strength, and declared their determination to be free. 
Against a whole people, aroused by their sufferings to 
demand their rights, what effe<;tual resistance can be 
opposed? Before their energetic exertions, prompted by 
enthusiasm and directed by fatal skill, their ancient govern- 
ment crumbled to the dust. 

39. Passing at once from abje^jt slavery to entire liberty, 
their conduct was marked by the most shocking excesses. 



238 WASHINGTON'S [17D3. 

The mild virtues of their king, alleviating but slightly the 
evils of despotism, could not save him from that resent- 
ment which consigned to indiscriminate destruction the 
hereditary orders. Himself, his queen, and many thou- 
sands of the nobility and clergy, suffered death on the 
scaffold. A new government was instituted, having, for 
its fundamental principle, the universal equality of man. 
Its foiTii was often changed, and the reins of authority 
were successively but unsteadily, held by the temporary 
favorites of an unenlightened and capricious people. 

40. The Americans could not regard with indifference 
this struggle of their allies for freedom. They considered 
their excesses as the first effects of sudden relief from 
oppression, and hoped that experience would produce 
sobriety of conduct and reverence for lav/. Tiiey hailed 
the French revolution as the offspring of their own, and 
cherished the flattering expectation that, by the diffusion 
of the principles of liberty, the whole civilized world 
wouM become partakers of its blessings. 

41. The French people, at the same time, regarded the 
Americans as their brethren, bound to them by the ties of 
gratitude ; and when the kings of Europe, dreading the 
establishment of republicanism in her borders, assembled 
in arms to restore monarchy to France, they looked across 
the Atlantic for sympathy and assistance. The new 
government, recalling the minister whom the king had 
appointed, despatched the citizen Genet, of ardent temper 
and a zealous republican, to supply his place. In April, 
1793, he arrived at Charleston, in South- Carolina, where 
he was received, by the governor and the citizens, in a 
manner expressive of their warm attachment to his country, 
and their cordial approbation of the change in her insti- 
tutions. 

43. Flattered by his reception, and presuming that the 
nation and the government were actuated by similar feel- 
ings, he assumed the authority of expediting privateers 
from that port to cruise against the vessels of nations who 
were enendes to France, but at peace with the United 
vStates, a procedure forbidden by the laws of nations, and 
derogatory to the government of the country. Notwith- 
standing this illegal assumption of power, he received, on 
his journey to Philadelphia, extravagant marks of public 
attachment ; and, on his arrival there, " crowds flocked 
from every avenue of the city to meet the republican am- 
bassador of an allied nation." Intoxicated bv these ron- 



1703.] ADMINISTRATION. 229 

tinued and increased demonstrations of regard, he persisted 
in Ibriuing and executing schemes of hostility against the 
enemies of PVance. 

43. Tlie British minister complained to the president, 
Avho, by the unanimous advice of his cabinet, directed Mr^ 
Jefferson, the secretary of state, to lay before the minister 
of France the principles which would regulate the conduct 
of the executive in relation to the powers at war. These 
pnnciples forbade the course which Mr. Genet had pur- 
sued. Relying on the popularity of his nation, he attempted, 
by insolent and oifensive declarations, to drive the president 
from, the ground he had taken. He threatened to appeal 
from the government to the people, a measure which other 
agents of the French republic had adopted with success 
in Europe. Here the result was different. The people 
rallied around rulers, having the same interest as them- 
selves. The minister was abandoned by most of his 
friends ; his government, at the request of the president, 
annulled his powers ; and fearing to return, he remained 
in the country, a striking example of the imbecility of a 
factious individual among a people confiding in their rulers, 
and contented with their lot. 

44. This conduct of Mr. Genet, the attrocities commit- 
ted by the French people, and the dreaded danger of their 
example, alienated from them many of the citizens of the 
United States, especially those betonging to the federal 
party. And as the world was then agitated by the mighty 
contest between France and Great Britain — a contest 
which permitted not neutrality of feeling — those who 
became hostile to the former became naturally the friends 
of the latter. To her they were besides attracted by 
identity of origin, by resemblance of institutions, by simi- 
larity of language, by community of laws, of literature, 
and of religion. 

45. The republicans retained an unabated affection for, 
the French, whose services they remembered with grati- 
tude, and whose struggles for freedom, against the league 
of European tyrants, engaged all their sympathy. Over 
these two parties Washington, admitting no thought but 
for his own country, watched with anxious solicitude, 
striving to restrain their aberrations, and to temper their 
mutual anunosities. 

46. After the defeat of St. Clair by the Indians, in 1791, 
general Wayne was appointed to command the AmeriQan 



230 WASHINGTON'S [1795. 

forces. Taking post near the country of the enemy, he 
made assiduous and long protracted endeavors to negotiate 
a peace. Failing in these, he marched against them, at 
the head of three thousand men. On the 20th of August, 
1794, an action took place in the vicinity of one of the 
British garrisons, on the banks of the Miami. A rapid 
and vigorous charge roused the savages from their coverts, 
and they were driven more than two miles at the point of 
the bayonet. Broken and dismayed, they fled without 
renewing the combat. Their houses and cornfields wero 
destroyed, and forts were erected on the sites of the towna 
laid waste. In 1795, a treaty was concluded at Grenville, 
which, long and faithfully observed, gave peace and se- 
curity to the frontier inhabitants, permitting the abundant 
population of the eastern states to spread, with astonishing 
rapidity, over the fertile region north-west of the Ohio. 

47. Tiie tax which had been imposed upon spirits dis- 
tilled within the country, bearing heavily upon the people 
in the western counties of Pennsylvania, produced there 
disaffection and disturbance. All excise taxes, of which 
this was one, being considered hostile to liberty, great 
exertions were made to excite the public resentment 
against those who should willingly pay it, and especially 
against the officers appointed to collect it. In September, 
1791, a large meeting of malcontents was held at Pitts- 
burgh, at which resolutions, encouraging resistance to the 
laws, were passed ; and subsequently other meetings were 
held, at which similar resolutions w^ere adopted. Com- 
mittees of correspondence were also appointed to give unity 
of system to their measures, and to increase the number 
of their associates. 

48. A proclamation of the president, exhorting all per- 
sons to def'ist from illegal com.binations, and calling on the 
magistrates to execute the laws, was disregarded. The 
marshall of the state, while serving processes upon delin- 
quents and offenders, was resisted and fired upon. The 
inspector of the revenue, dreading the indignation of the 
populace, procured a small detachment of soldiers to guard 
his house. These were attacked by a body of five hundred 
insurgents, who, setting iire to several contiguous buildings, 
obliged the soldiers to leave the house, and deliver them- 
selves up. Several individuals, zealous in supporting the 
government, were ordered to quit the country and compelled 
to obey. An intention was openly avowed of forcibly 



1795.] ADMINISTRATION. S31 

resisting the general government with the view of extort- 
ing a repeal of the offensive laws. The effective strength 
of the insurgents was computed at seven thousand men. 

49. The president, conceiving himself bound by the moat 
solemn obligations, "to take care that the laws be faith- 
fully executed," determined to call out a part of the militia 
of Pennsylvania, and the adjacent states, to suppress this 
insurrection. In the autumn of 1794, fifteen thousand 
were detached, and being placed under the command of 
governor Lee, of Virginia, vfere marched into the disaf- 
fected counties. The strength of this army rendering 
resistance desperate, none was offered, and no blood was 
shed. A few of the most active leaders were seized and 
detained for legal prosecution. The great body of the 
insurgents on submission were pardoned, as were also the 
leaders, after trial and conviction of treason. The govern- 
ment acquired the respect of the people, by this exertion 
of its force, and their affection, by this display of its lenity, 

50. Since the peace of 1783, Great Britain and the 
United States, had each incessantly complained that the 
otlier had violated the stipulations contained in the treaty. 
The former was accused of having carried away negroes 
at the close of the revolutionary war ; and of retaining iv 
her possession certain military posts situated in the west- 
ern wilderness, and within the limits of the United States^ 
in consequence of which the Americans were deprived ok 
their share of the fur trade, and the Indians incited tp 
make incursions upon the frontier settlements. The latter 
were accused of preventing the loyalists from regaining 
possession of their estates, and British subjects from 
recovering debts contracted before the commencement of 
hostilities. 

51. For the purpose of adjusting these mutual complaints*, 
and also of concluding a commercial treaty, Mr. Adams, in 
1785, was appointed minister to London. Great Britain, 
aware that the articles of confederation did not authorise 
congress to bind the states by a commercial treaty, de- 
clined then to negotiate. After the constitution was 
ratified, ministers were interchanged, and the discussion 
was prosecuted with no little acrimony and zeal. 

52. In 1794, Mr. Jay being then minister from the 
United States, a treaty was concluded, which, in the 
spring of the next year was laid before the senate. That 
body advised the president to ratify it, on condition that 
an alteration should be made in one of the axticles. Its 



WASHINGTON'S (iTm.^ 

contents having, in the mean time, been disclosed, the 
republican party exclaimed, in intemperate language, 
against most of the stipulations it contained. The 
partisans of France swelled the cry of condemnation. 
Public meetings were held in various parts of the union, 
at which resolutions were passed expressing warm disap- 
probation of the treaty, and an earnest wish that the 
president would withhold his ratification. Such appeared 
to be the wish of a great majority of the people. 

53. General Washington, believing that an adjustment 
of differences would conduce to the prosperity of the 
republic, and that the treaty before him was the best that 
could, at that time, be obtained, gave it his assent, in 
defiance of popular clamor. So great ■was the confidence 
repo&ed, by the people, in their beloved chief-magistrate, 
that the public sentiment began immediately to change. 
The friends of the treaty not only increased in numbers, 
but gained courage to speak in its defence. And during 
the summer of 1795, the nation was agitated by a zealous 
and animated discussion of its merits. 

54. At the next session of congress, it became a subject 
of consideration in the house of representatives. The 
treaty, its negotiator, and even the president, were viru- 
lently censured, and warmly defended, in a debate which 
has seldom been equalled for its intemperance, its eloquence^ 
or its duration. On the final question, a majority of three 
voted in favor of the appropriation necessary to carry it 
into effect. The subsequent prosperity of American com- 
merce demonstrates the wisdom of the president's decision. 

55. The conduct of Spain towards the United States, 
had ever been cold and unfriendly. She feared lest the 
principles of liberty, and the desire of independence should 
find their way into her contiguous American provinces. 
During the negotiations at Paris, which resulted in peace, 
she secretly exerted her influence to cause the western 
boundaries of the new republic, from the great lakes to 
Florida, to be fixed two or three hundred miles east of the 
Mississippi. To the repeated offers, which were after- 
wards made, to form with her a commercial treaty, and to 
make arrangements respecting the mutual navigation of 
that river, she pertinaciously declined to accede. 

56. When the inhabitants beyond the Alleghany moun- 
tains had become numerous, she denied them access to 
the ocean by the medium of that river, the mouth of which 
was within her province of Louisiana. She intended. 



1705.] ADMINISTRATION. £33 

perhaps, to show them the importance of that privilege 
by withholding it, and to allure them, by the promise of 
restoring it, to submit to her authority. The people of 
Kentucky, indignant at the deprivation, laid their com- 
plaints before congress. In bold and forcible language 
they asserted their rights, by the laws of God and of 
nature, to the free use of that noble river, and demanded 
that, at any cost, the acknowledgment of that right should 
be obtained. 

57. At length Spain became involved in a war with 
France. Embarrassed at home, and intimidated by the 
unauthorized preparations which, under the auspices of 
Genet, were making in Kentucky to invade Louisiana, 
she intimated her readiness to conclude a satisfactory 
treaty, should a minister be sent to Madrid for that pur- 
pose. Thomas Pinkney was accordingly appointed. In 
October, 1795, a treaty was signed, securing to the citizens 
of the United States the free navigation of the Mississippi 
to the ocean, and the privilege of landing and depositing 
cargoes at New-Orleans. 

58. Thus were adjusted all controversies with two 
European powers, which, while they existed, retarded the 
prosperity, and disturbed the tranquillity of the country; 
and from which, at different periods, even war was seriously 
apprehended. In 1795, a treaty was also concluded with 
the regency of Algiers, with which the republic was pre- 
viously at war. It stipulated that the United States, in 
conformity with the practice of other nations, should, as 
the price of peace, pay an annual tribute to the sovereign 
of that country. 

59. Within the last two or three years, several changes 
took place in the important offices of the nation. On the 
first day of the year 1794, Mr. Jefferson resigned the office 
of secretary of state. He had performed the duties of 
that office with extraordinary ability, and to the entire 
satisfaction of the president. Having been minister to 
France at the commencement of the revolution there, he 
became acquainted with its prime movers, and, anticipating 
from their exertions the diffusion of the principles of 
liberty and the renovation of the government, was, in the 
early stages of its progress, its enthusiastic and undis- 
guised defender. Of the republican party, he was con- 
sidered the leader, enjoying their highest confidence arJ 
warmest attachment. He was succeeded bv Edmund 
liaiwlolph, of Virginia. 

U 2 



1E54 WA»JtllI\UlUi>i » 1^17if3^ 

60. On the last day of January, 1795, Mr. Hamiltcwi 
retired from the office of secretary of the treasury. He 
possessed distinguished talents, and had exerted those 
talentg to establish order where all was confusion, and to 
raise from the lowest depression the credit of the country. 
His complete success greatly exalted his reputation, and 
to him the federalists felt a sincerity of attachment 
equalled only by that entertained for Washington. With 
liim he had served in the revolutionary war, and had then 
acquired his confidence and affection, which he ever after- 
wards retained. Being the advocate 'of an energetic 
government, and averse to intrusting much power with 
the people, he was peculiarly obnoxious to the republican 
party. He was accused of partiality to England, and of 
misconduct in office. After the closest scrutiny, his 
official character was acknowledged, by his enemies, to be 
without stain. He was succeeded by Oliver Walcott, of 
Connecticut. 

61. At the close of the year 1794, general Knox resigned 
the office of secretary of war, and colonel Pickering, of 
Massachusetts, was appointed in his place. In August 
Mr. Randolph, having lost the confidence of the president, 
and having in consequence retired from the administration, 
Mr. Pickering was appointed his successor in the depart- 
ment of state, and James M'Henry, of Maryland, was made 
secretary of war. No republican being now at the head 
of any of the departments, many of the leaders of that 
}»arty withdrew their support from the administration; and 
licentious individuals, in their abusive attacks, dared to 
charge even the president with corruption. But the 
confidence of the people in his integrity and patriotism 
experienced not the slightest abatement. 

62. The conduct of France towards the American re- 
public continued to be a source of increasing trouble and 
vexation. Mr. Fauchet, the successor of Genet, bore, from 
those by whom he was deputed, the strongest assurances 
of friendship ; but encouraged and supported by a numerous 
party, ardently attached to his nation, he gradually assumed 
towards the administration the tone of remonstrance and 
reproach. He charged it with sentiments of hostility to 
the allies of the United States, with partiality for their 
former foes, and urged the adoption of a course more 
favorable to the cause of liberty. 

63. The American government was in fact desirous ot 
fulfilling all its duti<3S to France, and of ^ontnliatiRg her 



1796.] ADmNISTRATION. 235 

friendship. Mr. Morris, the minister to Paris, having 
incurred the displeasure of those in power, was recalled 
at their request, and his place supplied by Mr. Monroe of 
"Virginia. This gentleman was a republican, and had 
embraced with ardor the cause of the French republic. 
He was received in the most respectful manner by the 
convention, who decfeed that the flags of the two republics, 
int wined together, should be suspended in the legislative 
hall, as a' mark of their eternal union and friendship. 

64. Mr. Adet was appointed soon aftef, to succeed Mr. 
Fauchet. He 'bi-ought with him the colors of France, 
which he was instructed, by the convention, to present to 
the congress of the United States. They were received 
by the president with extraordinary ceremonies, transmit- 
ted to congress, and afterwards deposited in the national 
archives. In the house of representatives, a resolution 
was unanimously adopted, expressing the lively sensations 
which were excited by this testimony of the existing sym- 
pathy of the two republics, and their hope, that the bril- 
liant and glorious victories of the French people, would 
lead to the perfect establishment of their liberty and 
happiness. 

G5. But France required of the United States more than 
professions and hopes, and more than , by treaty she was 
entitled to claim. She wished to make them a party in 
the war she was waging with the despots of Europe. 
Failing in this, and jealous of the more intimate relations 
contracted with her enemy, she adopted regulations highly 
injurious to American commerce, directing her cruisers to 
capture, in certain cases, the vessels of the United States. 
In consequence of these regulations, several hundreds, 
loaded with valuable cargoes, were, while prosecuting a 
lawful trade, taken and the whole confiscated. 

6C). Believing that the rights of the nation were not 
asserted and vindicated with sufficient spirit by Mr. Mon- 
roe, the president recalled him, and Charles C. Pinkney, 
of South-Carolina, was appointed in his stead. In the 
summer of 1796, he left the United States, instructed to 
use every effort compatible with national Ijonor, to restore 
the amicable relations which had once subsisted between 
the sister republics. 

67. General Washington having, at the sacrifice of his 
own predilections, devoted a great portion of his life to 
his country; having successfully conducted its armies 
through an arduous coaflict for existe-nce ; and having 



236 WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. [1T9& 

since directed its course through the most critical period 
of an experiment under a free constitution, determined to 
retire to the enjoyment of domestic happiness and rural 
quiet. In September, he announced this determination to 
his fellow citizens, and feeling for them all the solicitude 
of a father for his children, he published at the same time 
a farewell address. 

68. From long experience, he had acquired an intimate 
acquaintance with the dangers to which the liberties of 
the republic were exposed. These he deprecated, and 
warned his countrymen to shun, with all the impressive 
energy of conviction, and all the ardor of parental affection. 
He besought them, especially, to frown indignantly, upon 
the first dawning of any attempt at a separation of the 
union ; to discard local attachments and sectional animosi- 
ties ; to guard against the excessive indulgence of the 
spirit of party, and against cherishing a hatred of particuleu: 
nations, and an affection for others. 

69. This address was read with sentiments of profound 
veneration in every part of the union. Some of the state 
legislatures directed it to be inserted at large in their 
journals, and most of them passed resolutions expressing 
their respect fur the author, their high sense of his exalted 
services, and the emotions with which they contemplated 
his retirement from office. 

70. To fill the station from which the father of his 
country had resolved to retire, the two great political par- 
ties brought forward their chiefs. The federalists, desiring 
that the system of measures adopted by Washington should 
continue to be pursued, and dreading the influence of 
French sentiments and principles, made the most active 
efforts to elect John Adams. The republicans, believing 
their opponents less friendly than themselves to the maxims 
of liberty, and too much devoted to the British nation and 
to British institutions, made equal exertions to elect 
Thomas Jefferson. 

71. The result was the choice of Mr. Adams to be 
president, and Mr. Jefferson to be vice-president. Re- 
leased from public cares, Washington hastened to Mount 
Vernon. Having estabFished his fame as the greatest 
hero and most distinguished statesman of the age, he 
there, devoting his time to the cultivation of an extensive 
farm, added to his titles of renown that of the most mdus- 
txious and intelligent agriculturalist o£ kia oountjry. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

MR. ADAMS'S, MR. JEFFERSON'S, AND PART 
OF MR. MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

DECLARATION OF WAR. 

Mr. Adams, soon after the commencement of his presi- 
dential term, received from Mr. Pinkney despatches of a 
most disagreeable and alarming nature. The Directory, 
then exercising the executive authority in France, had 
refused to accredit him, declaring their determination not 
to receive another minister from the United States, until 
they had fully complied with the demands which had been 
made. He was moreover ordered, by a written mandate, 
to quit the territories of the republic. 

2. Congress were immediately convened, and the des- 
patches laid before them. Their proceedings indicated a 
love of peace, but also a firm determination to yield to 
no unjust demand. Laws were passed authorizing the 
president, whenever he should deem it necessary, to 
detach eighty thousand men from the militia of the United 
States, providing for an increase of the navy, and for 
augmenting the revenue of the nation. To display to 
France, and to the world, his desire of peace, and to leave 
no means unattempted to preserve it, the president resolved 
to institute another and more solemn mission. General 
Pinkney, John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry, were accor- 
dingly appointed envoys to the French republic, and were 
instructed, as the first had before been, to seek a recon- 
ciliation as the representatives of a people dreading war 
much, but the sacrifice of honor more. 

3. These also the directory refused to receive. They 
■were, however, addressed by persons verbally instructed, 
by Talleyrand, the minister of foreign relations, to make 
them proposals. In explicit terms, these unoiRcial agents 
demanded a large sura of money before any negotiation 
could be opened. To this insulting demand, a decided 
negative was given. A compliance was nevertheless 
repeatedly urged, until at length the envoys refused to 
hold with them any further communication. After re- 
maining several months at Paris, pressing in vain to be 
received and heard, two, who were federalists, were ordered 
to leave France, but Mr. Gerry, who was a republican, 
was permitted to remain, and was invited singly to entej 



238 ADAMS'S [1800. 

into discussions relating to the commencement of a nego- 
tiation. 

4. When these events were known in the United States, 
they excited general indignation. The spirit of party ap- 
peared to be extinct. "Millions for defence, not a cent for 
tribute," resounded from every quarter of the union. The 
treaty of alliance with France was declared by congress 
to be no longer in force. Authority was given for captur- 
ing armed French vessels. Provision was made for raising 
immediately a small regular army ; and, in case events 
sliould render it expedient, for augmenting it. A direct 
tax and additional internal duties were laid. 

5. To command the armies of the United States, presi- 
dent Adams, with the unanimous advice of the senate 
appointed George Washington. He consented, but with 
great reluctance, to accept the office, declaring, however, 
that he cordially approved the measures of the government. 

6. No opportunity was presented of testing the courage 
and skill of the American troops. At sea, a desperate 
action was fought between the frigate Constellation, of 38 
guns, commanded by commodore Truxton, and the French 
frigate L'Insurgente, of 40 guns. The latter, although of 
superior force, was captured. The same intrepid officer, 
in a subsequent action, compelled another French frigate 
of 50 guns, to strike her colors, but she afterwards escaped 
in the night. 

7. The United States, in arms at home and victorious 
on the ocean, commanded the respect of their enemy. 
The directory made overtures of peace. The president 
immediately appointed ministers, who, on their arrival at 
Paris, found the executive authority in the possession of 
Bonaparte as first consul. They were promptly accredited, 
and in September, 1800, a treaty was concluded satisfac- 
tory to both countries. 

8. While this negotiation was in progress, the whole 
American people were overshadowed with gloom, by the 
sudden death of the father of his country. On the 14th 
of December, 1799, after an illness of one day only, general 
Washington expired. Intelligence of this event, as it 
rapidly spread, produced spontaneous, deep, and unaffected 
grief, suspending every other thought, and absorbing every 
different feeling. 

9. Congress, then in session at Philadelphia, immedi- 
ately adjourned. On assembling the next day, the house 
of representatives resolved, "that the speaker's clvair 






1800.] ADMINISTRATION. 239 

should be shrouded in black, and the members wear black 
(luring the session ; and that a joint committee should be 
appointed to devise the most suitable manner of paying 
honor to the memory of the MAN first in war, first in 
peace, and first in the hearts ofliis countrymen." 

10. The senate, on this melancj(fc)ly occasion, addressed 
a letter of condolence to the president of the United States. 
" This event," they observe, " so distressing to all our 
fellow citizens, must be particularly heavy to you, who 
have long been associated with him in deeds of patriotism. 
Permit us, sir, to mingle our tears with yours. On this 
occasion it is manly to weep. To lose such a man, at 
such a crisis, is no common calamity to the world. Our 
country mourns a father. The Almighty Disposer of 
human events has taken from us our greatest benefactor 
and ornament. It becomes us to submit with reverence 
to HIM who maketh darkness his pavilion. 

11. "With patriotic pride we review the life of our 
WASHINGTON, and compare him with those of other 
countries who have been pre-eminent in fame. Ancient 
and modern names are diminished before him. Greatness 
and guilt have too often been allied ; but his fame is whiter 
than it is brilliant. The destroyers of nations stood abashed 
at the majesty of his virtues. It reproved the intemperance 
of their ambition, and darkened the splendor of victory. 

12. " Such was the man whom we deplore. Thanks to 
God, his glory is consummated. Washington yet lives on 
earth in his spotless example — his spirit is in heaven. Let 
his countrymen consecrate th^ memory of the heroic gene- 
ral, the patriotic statesman, and the virtuous sage : let 
them teach their children never to forget that the fruits 
of his labors, and of his example, are their inker Uancc,^ 

13. Agreeably to the report of the cormnittee, and the 
unanimous resolves of congress, a funeral procession moved 
from the legislative hall to the German Lutheran church, 
where an oration was delivered by general Lee, a repre- 
sentative from Virginia. The procession was grand and 
solemn, the oration impressive and eloquent. Throughout 
the union shnilar marks of affliction were exhibited. A 
whole bereaved people appeared in mourning. In every 
part of the republic, funeral orations were delivered, and 
the best talents of the nation were devoted to an expression 
of the nation's grief. 

14. In pursuance of the Isw enacted in 1790, a place 
had been selected on the Potomac, a few miles above 



240 JEFFERSON'S [1801. 

Mount Vernon, for the permanent seat of the national gov- 
ernment. Within a district ten miles square, which was 
called the District of Columbia, a city was laid out, to 
which the name of Washington was appropriately given. 
Public buildings having beep erected, tlie officers of gov- 
ernment removed to that^ace in 1800, and in November 
of that year, congress, for the first time, there commenced 
its session. 

15. At this period, a presidential election again recurred. 
From the time of the adoption of the constitution, the 
republican party had been gradually increasing in numbers. 
The two parties being now nearly equal, the prospect of 
success inspired both with unconmnon ardor. The feder- 
alists supported Mr. Adams and general Pinkney; the 
republicans, Mr. .Tefferson and colonel Burr. The two 
latter received a small majority of the electoral votes ; 
and as they received also an equal number, the selection 
of one of them to be president devolved upon the house of 
representatives. After thirty-five trials, during which 
the nation felt intense solicitude, Mr. Jefferson was cho- 
sen. Colonel Burr received the votes of the federalists, 
and lost, in consequence, the confidence of his former 
friends. By the provisions of the constitution, he became, 
of course, vice-president. 

16. The causes \vhich rendered Mr. Adams unpopular 
and led to a change in the adrnirustration were, his appar- 
ent coldness towards the French revolution; the charge that 
the federalists generally were partial to Great Britain; the 
expenditure of money for building a navy and for other pur- 
poses alleged to be impolitic, or useless ; the enactment of 
the alien law, by which the president was authorized to 
compel suspected foreigners to leave the country, and of the 
sedition law which provided that the authors and publish- 
ers of false and malicious accusations against the president 
and members of congress should be prosecuted and pun- 
ished. But more effectual than these was the charge that 
Mr. Adams, and the party which supported him, entertain- 
ed political opinions less favorable to liberty than those of 
the party which opposed him. — By deserting a man so dis- 
tinguished as Mr. Adams for his talents, for his experience 
in political affairs, and for the important services which 
he had rendered to his country in the revolutionary strug- 
gle, the people showed how jealous they were of the 
liberty they had obtained, and how firmly they were 
determined to a-uaad it from even Do^sible danger. 



1801!.] ADMINISTRATION. 241 

17. The control of the government being now transfer- 
red to the republican party, they, at the next session of 
congress, repealed, after a long and eloquent debate, a 
law altering the judicial system, which had been passed 
at the close of Mr. Adams's administration. This repeal 
annihilated the offices of sixteen judges, who had just 
been appointed. At the same session, the internal duties 
were also abolished. 

18. A second census of the ^people, referring to 1800, 
was completed in 1801. They amounted to 5,319,762, 
having in ten years increased nearly one million four hun- 
dred thousand. In the same number of years the exports 
increased from nineteen to ninety-four millions, and the 
revenue from 4,771,000 tol2,945,000 dollars ! This rapid 
advance in the career of prosperity has no parallel in the 
history of nations, and is to be attributed principally to the 
institutions of the country, which, securing equal privi- 
leges to all, give to the enterprise and industry of all, 
free scope and full encouragement. 

19. In 1802, the state of Ohio was admitted into the 
union. It was formerly a portion of the Northwestern 
Territory, for the government of which, in 1787, an ordi- 
nance was passed, by the continental congress. With 
commendable foresight they provided that slavery, the 
source of weakness, of poverty, and of crime, should 
never exist in that extensive and fertile region. This is 
doubtless one of the causes of the unparalleled rapidity of 
its population. In thirty years from its first settlement, 
the number of its inhabitants exceeded half a million. 
The state of Tennesne, which was previously a part of 
North-Oarnlina, and lies between that state and the river 
Mississippi, was admitted in 1796. 

20. The right of deposit at New-Orleans, conceded to 
the citizens of the United States by Spain, and necessary 
to the people of the western country, had, until this peri- 
od, been freely enjoyed. In October, the chief officer of 
that city, prohibited the exercise of it in future. This 
violation of a solemn engagement produced, throughout 
the states of Ohio and Kentucky, indignant clamor and 
violent commotion. In congress, a proposition was made 
to take possession, by force, of the whole province of 
Louisiana, and the injured people of the west were eager 
for permission to avenge their wrongs, and to regain their 
rights, by the sword. 

21. A more pacific course wus adopted. Knowing 

V 



242 JEFFERSON'S [1804* 

that the province had been ceded, although not transferred, 
lo France, the president instituted a negotiation to acquire 
it by purchase. In April, 1803, a treaty was concluded, 
conveying it to the United States for fifteen millions of 
dollars. 

'J2. The territt)ry thus added to the national domain, 
was first discovered by the French, who, in 1G99, began a 
settlement within its limits. It continued a colony of 
that nation until 17G2,' wl^ign it was ceded to Spain. In 
her possession it remained, slowly increasing in popula- 
tion, until October, 1800 when it was retroceded to 
France, and by her \Vas afterwards, as has been related^ 
transferred to th3 United States. The inhabitants, a 
mixture of French and Spaniards, w^ere not numerous. 
Its boundaries have never been defined. They embrace, 
at a moderate estimation, a territory more extensive than 
some of the most powerful European kingdoms, and in 
many parts the soil is exceedingly fertile. Its acquisition 
w-as considered, by the United States, of the greatest 
importance, as it gave them the entire control of a rivei\ 
which is one of the noblest in the world. 

23. Since the year 1801, war had existed between the 
Unied States and Tripoli, one of the states of Barbary, 
situated on the coast of the Mediterranean. No memo- 
rable event occurred until 1803, when a large squadron, 
under the command of commodore Preble, was despatched 
into that sea. On arriving before Tripoli, captain Bain- 
bridge, in the frigate Philadelphia, of 44 guns, was sent 
into the harbor to reconnoitre. While in eager pursuit of 
a small vessel, he unfortunately advanced so far that the 
frigate grounded, and all attempts to remove her were in 
vain. The sea around her was immediately covered w^ith 
Tri[>olitan gun-boats, and captain Bainbridge was compel- 
led to surrender. The oflEicers were considered as pris- 
oners of war ; but the crew, according to the custom of 
Barbary, were treated as slaves. 

24. At the capture of this frigate, the enemy rejoiced 
and exulted beyond measure. Lieutenant Stephen JDeca- 
tur conceived the design of retaking or destroying her. 
(yommodore Preble, applauding the spirit of the youthful 
hero, granted him permission to make the attempt. In 
February, 1804, he sailed from Syracuse, in a small 
schooner, having on board but seveniy-six men, entered 
undiscovered the harbor of Tripoli, and advancing boldly 
Utok a station alongside the^rigate. Perceiving the crew 



IftOS.] ADMINISTRATION.- S43 

in consternation, Decatur sprang on board, his nnen fol- 
lowed, and with drawn swords rushed upon the enemy. 
The decks were soon cleared, some being killed, and 
others driven into the sea. 

25. A heavy cannonade upon the frigate, fro n the 
batteries on shore and the corsairs near, wds now com- 
menced, and several vessels of war were seen approach- 
ing. She was set on fire and abandoned, none of the 
party being killed and but four woimded. Throughout 
all the piratical states, this brilliant exi)loit exalted the 
reputation of the American arms. The president, in 
reward of his addrv^ss and bravery, promoted lieutenant 
Decatur to the rank of post-captain in the navy. 

2(). While the squadron remained before Tripoli, other 
deeds of heroism were performed, evincing a love of fame 
and a devotion to country unsurpassed in Grecian or 
iloman story. The events and operations of this war 
shed a lustre upon the American name, gave experience 
and character to tlie officers, and prepared them to acquire 
greater glory in a contest with a nobler foe. They were 
equalled however, by an enterprise on land, bold and 
romantic in its conception, and exhibiting, in its execu- 
tion, uncommon address and decision of character. 

27. William Eaton, who had been a captain in the 
American army, w^as, at the commencement of this war, 
consul at Tunis. He there became acquainted with 
Hamet Car^manly, whom a younger brother had excluded 
from the throne of Tripoli. With him he concerted an 
expedition against the reigning sovereign, and returned 
to the Ignited States to obtain permission and the means 
to undertake it. Permission was granted, the co-opera- 
tion of the squadron recommended, and such pecuniary 
assistance as could be spared was afforded. 

28. To raise an army in Egypt, and lead it to attack 
the usurper in his dominions, was the project which had 
been concerted. In the beginning of 1805, Eaton met 
Hamet at Alexandria, and was appointed general of his 
forces. On the 6th of March, at the head of a respecta- 
ble body of mounted Arabs, and about seventy Christians, 
he set out for Tripoli. His route lay across a desert one 
thousand miles in extent. On his march, he encountered 
peril, fatigue, and suffering, the description of which 
wtnild resemble the exaggerations of romance. On the 
••25th of April, having been fifty days on the march, h© 
arrived before Dome, a Tripolitan city on the Mediterra-« 



«44 JEFFERSON'S [1806. 

nean, and found in the harbor a part of the American 
squadron, destined to assist him. He learnt also that tha 
usurper, having received notice of his approach, had 
raised a considerable army and was then within a day's 
march of the city. 

29. No time was therefore to be lost. The next morn- 
ing he summoned the governor to surrender, who returned 
for answer, " My head or yours." The city was assaulted, 
and after a contest ©f two hours and a half, possession 
gained. The Christians suffered severely and the general 
was slightly wounded. Great exertions were immediately 
made to fortify the city. On the 8th of May, it was at- 
tacked by the Tripolitan army. Although ten times more 
numerous than Eaton's band, the assailants, after per- 
sisting four hours in the attempt, were compelled to 
retire. On the 10th of June another battle was fought, 
in which the enemy were defeated. The next day the 
American frigate Constitution arrived in the harbor, 
which so terrified the Tripolitans that they fled precipi- 
tately to the desert. 

30. The frigate came, however, to arrest the operations 
of Eaton, in the midst of his brilliant and successful 
career. Alarmed at his progress, the reigning bashaw had 
offered terms of peace, which, being much more favorable 
than had before been offered, were accepted by Mr. Lear, 
the authorised agent of the government. Sixty thousand 
dollars were given as a ransom for the unfortunate Ame- 
rican prisoners, and an engagement was made to withdraw 
all support from Hamet. The nation, proud of the ex- 
ploits of Eaton, regretted this diplomatic interference, but 
the treaty was ratified by the president and senate ; and 
thus ended the war in the Mediterranean. 

31. Colonel Burr, having lost the confidence of the re- 
publican party, became, in 1804, a candidate for the office 
of governor of New- York : the federalists generally gave 
him their votes, but Mr. Hamilton, considering him an 
unprincipled politician, openly opposed his election. The 
choice fell upon the rival candidate. A duel ensued 
between these distinguished individuals, the challenge 
proceeding from Burr. Hamilton was mortally wounded. 
This event produced a strong and lively sensation through- 
out the union. At the next presidential election, which 
occurred in the same year, Mr. Jefferson was elected pres- 
ident, and George Clinton of New-York, vice-president, 
tlie former receiving all but fourteen votes. 



1807.] ADMINISTRATION. 546 

32. Burr, notwithstanding his brilliant talents, now 
sunk, for a time, into merited obscurity. His future con- 
duct showed, however, that, while unobserved by his fel- 
low citizens, he had not been idle. In the autumn of 1806, 
his movements in the western country attracted the notice 
of government. He had purchased and was building boats 
on the Ohio, and engaging men to descend that river. 
His declared purpose was to form a settlement on the 
banks of the Washita, in Louisiana ; but the character of 
the man, the nature of his preparations, and the incautious 
disclosures of his associates, led to the suspicion that his 
true object was either to gain possession of New-Orleans, 
and erect into a separate government the country watered 
by the Mississippi and its branches, or to invade, from the 
territories of the United States, the rich Spanish prov- 
ince of Mexico. 

33. From the first moment of suspicion, he was closely 
watched by the agents of the government. At Natchez, 
while on his way to New-Orleans, he was cited to appear 
before the supreme court of the Mississippi Territory. But 
he had so enveloped his projects in secrecy, that sufficient 
evidence to convict him could not be produced, and he was 
discharged. Hearing, however, that several persons, sus- 
pected of being his accomplices, had been arrested at New- 
Orleans and elsewhere, he fled in disguise from Natchez, 
was apprehended on the Tombigbee, and conveyed a pris- 
oner to Richmond. Two indictments were found against 
him, one charging him with treason against the United 
States, the other whh preparing and commencing an ex- 
pedition against the dominions of Spain. 

34. In August, 1807, he was tried, upon those indict- 
ments, before .Tohn Marshall, the chief justice of the 
United States. Full evidence of his guilt not being ex- 
hibited, he was acquitted by the jury. The people, how- 
ever, believed him guilty ; and by their desertion and 
contempt, he was reduced to a condition of the most abject 
wretchedness. The ease with which his plans were de- 
feated, demonstrated the strength of the government, and his 
fate will ever be an impressive warning to those who, in a 
free country, listen to the suggestions of criminal ambition. 

35. The wars produced by the French revolution con- 
tinued to rage in Europe. The attempts, made by the 
neighboring kings, to ct^mpel republican France to resume 
her monarchical institutions, had not only been resisted 
find defeated by her indigiiaiit citizens, but they had fq|« 

V 2 



246 JEFFERSON'S [1907; 

lowed home the repelled invaders of their country, and 
had subdued those who began the war with the hope and 
purpose of subduing France. The nation had necessarily 
become a nation of soldiers, and one, more daring and for- 
tunate than the others, had been placed at their head as 
chief of the republic. By his extraordinary talents, and 
the vast means subjected to his single will, he acquired 
control over most of the European kingdoms. 

36. England, however, unsubdued and undaunted, had 
become as pre-eminent on the water as France on the land. 
Her powerful navy expelled every hostile navy from the 
ocean, and rode triumphant in every sea. America profit- 
ted from the destruction of the ships and commerce of 
other nations. Being neutral, her vessels earried from 
port to port the productions of France and her dependant 
kingdoms; and also to the ports of those kingdoms the 
manufactures of England. Few ships were found on the 
ocean except those of the United States and Great Britain. 

37. The latter, having always found it impossible to 
man her numerous fleets, by voluntary enlistments, had 
been accustomed to resort to impressment, or seizing by 
force her subjects and compelling them to serve, as sailors, 
on board her ships of war. Soon after the peace of 1783, 
she claimed a right to search for and seize them, even on 
board of neutral vessels while traversing the ocean. In 
the exercise of this pretended right, citizens of the United 
States, sometimes by mistake and sometimes by design, 
were seized, dragged from their friends, transported to 
distant parts of the world, compelled to perform the de- 
grading duty of British sailors, and to fight with nations at 
peace with their own. Against this outrage upon personal 
liberty and the rights of American citizens, Washington, 
Adams, and Jefferson had remonstrated in vain. The 
abuse continued, and every year added to its enormity, 
until a feeling of resentment was aroused worthy the best 
period of the Roman republic. 

38. But not in this mode only were the rights of the 
United States invaded and their interest sacrificed on the 
ocean. The carrying trade afforded a harvest too rich, and 
too tempting to British cupidity, to be long enjoyed unmo- 
lested. American ships, carrying to Europe the produce 
of French colonies, were, in an early stage of the war, 
captured by British cruisers, an'] condemned by their 
courts as lawful prizes. Several European ports under 
the control of France, were declared, by British orders in 



1807.1 ADMINISTRATION. 24f 

council, dated in May, 1806, to be in a state of blockade, 
although not invested with a British fleet, and American 
vessels, attempting to enter those ports, were also captured 
and condemned. 

39. France and her allies suffered, as well as the United 
States, from these transgressions of the laws of nations. 
Her vengeance fell, not so much upon the belligerent in- 
flicting the injury, as upon the neutral enduring without 
resenting and repelling it. By a decree, issued at Berlin, 
in November, 1806, the French emperor declared the 
British islands in a state of blockade, and of course au- 
thorized the capture of all neutral vessels attempting to 
trade with those islands. From these measures of both 
nations, the commerce of the United States severely 
suffered, and their merchants loudly demanded of the 
government redress and protection. 

40. In June, 1807, an event occurred, which for a time 
concentrated upon one of the rival nations the whole 
weight of popular indignation. The frigate Chesapeake, 
while near the coast of the United States, and unsus- 
picious of danger, was fired upon from the Leopard, a 
British ship of superior force, three of her men were 
killed and eighteen wounded. Being unprepared for action, 
she struck her colors, was then boarded by a detachment 
from the Leopard, her crew mustered and four of them 
forcibly carried off upon the pretence that they were 
British deserters. The truth, upon investigation, was 
ascertained to be, that three of them were citizens of the 
United States, had been impressed by the British, and had 
afterwards escaped from their service. 

41. This insolent attack upon a national ship, — this 
wanton exercise of a claim derogatory to national honor, — 
aroused the spirit of the republic. The distinctions of 
party were forgotten, numerous meetings of the citizens 
were held, and all concurred in the expression of a deter- 
mination to support the government of their country in its 
efforts to obtain, whether by negotiation or war, satisfaction 
for this insulting outrage. 

42. The president, by proclamation, prohibited all British 
Siiips of war from continuing in or entering the harbors of 
the United States. He sent instructions to the minister 
at London to demand satisfaction for the insult, and security 
against future aggression. He summoned congress to meet 
and decide what further measures should be adopted. The 
British government promptly disavowmg the act of its 



£18 JEFFERSON'S. [1808. 

officer, the hostile feelings which had been excited began 
to subside ; but delaying to render satisfaction, and refusing 
to adopt adequate measures to prevent a continuance oi 
aggression, they were not extinguished nor appeased. 

43. Bonaparte having declared his purpose of enforcing 
with rigor the Berlin decree ; the British government hav- 
ing solemnly asserted the right of search and impressment, 
and having intimated their intention to adopt measures in 
retaliation of the French decree, the president recommend- 
ed to congress that the seamen, ships, and merchandise 
of the United States should be detained in port to preserve 
them from the dangers which threatened them on the 
ocean. A law laying an indefinite embargo was in conse- 
quence enacted. A hope to coerce the belligerent powers 
to return to the observance of the laws of nations, by 
depriving them of the benefits derived from the trade of 
America, was doubtless a concurring motive for passing 
the law. 

44. A few days only had elapsed, when information was 
received, that Great Britain had prohibited neutrals, except 
upon the degrading condition of paying a tax or tribute to 
her, from trading with France or her allies, comprising 
nearly every maritime nation of Europe. This was fol- 
lowed, in a few weeks, by a decree issued by Bonaparte, 
at Milan, declaring that every neutral vessel, which should 
submit to be visited by a British ship, or to pay the tribute 
demanded, should be confiscated, if afterwards found in 
his ports, or taken by his cruisers. Thus, at the date of 
the embargo, were orders and decrees in existence render-^ 
ing liable to capture almost every Ainericaa vessel sailing 
on the ocean. 

45. In the New-England states, the embargo, with- 
holding the merchant from a career in which he had been 
highly prosperous, and in which he imagined that he might 
still be favored of fortune, occasioned discontent and 
clamor. The federalists, more numerous there than in 
any other part of the union, pronounced it a measure un- 
wise and oppressive. These representations, and the real 
and severe distress which the people endured, produced a 
rapid change in their politicaj opinions. In a short time, 
a majority became federalists, and opposed with zeal all 
the measures of the government. 

46. In the fall of 1808, a new election of chief-magistrate 
took plac©v Mr. Jeifetson, believing that no person shoul(J 
ho)4 that offto« more than erght years, and desirous of 



1808.] ADMimSTRATION. , 249 

confirming the example of Washington, had previously an- 
nounced his intention to retire to private life. .Tames Madi- 
son was elected president andGeorgeCliutcn vice-president, 

47. In March, 1809, congress repealed the embargo, 
and substituted a law prohibiting all intercourse with 
France and Great Britain. Bonaparte, in retaliation, 
issued a decree, at Rambouillet, directing that all Ameri- 
can vessels, which were then in the ports of France or 
miglit afterwards enter, should be seized and confiscated. 

48. In the nonintercourse law, a provision was inserted, 
that if either nation should revoke her hostile edicts, and 
the president should announce that fact by proclamation, 
then the law should cease to be in force in regard to the 
nation so revoking. In April, Mr. Erskine, the British 
minister at Washington, engaged, on the part of his govern- 
ment, that the orders in council, so far as they affected 
tlie United States, should be withdrawn on the 10th of 
June ; and the president immediately issued the proclama- 
tion prescribed in the law. 

49. This arrangement the British ministry refused to 
ratify, declaring that Mr. Erskine had no authority to make 
it. Recalling him, they appointed Mr. Jackson his suc- 
cessor. In a correspondence between this gentleman and 
the secretary of state, the former insinuated that the 
American government knew that Mr. Erskine was not 
authorized to make the arrangement, and knew of course 
that it would not be binding on Great Britain. This 
insinuation was distinctly denied by the secretary, but 
was subsequently repeated, ki aw offensive manner, by Mr. 
Jackson. He was immediately informed, that, on account 
of his indecorous conduct, no other communications from 
him would be received. He was shortly aftervv^ards re- 
called by his government. 

50. The nonintercourse law expired in May, 1810, when 
a proposition was made equally to both belligerents, that 
if either would revoke its hostile edicts, that law should 
be revived and enforced against the other. In August, 
Bonaparte, by his minister of state, assured Mr. Arm- 
strong, the American envoy to France, that the Berlin 
and INIilan decrees were revoked, the revocation to take 
effect on the first day of November ensuing. Confiding 
in this assurance, the president, on the second day of 
November, issued his proclamation, declaring that all 
intercourse with Great Britain was prohibited, and that 
ao umestrained coiimierce with France was allowed. 



250 MADISON'S [1811. 

51. Great Britain having expressed a willingness to 
repeal her orders whenever France should repeal her de~ 
crees, she was now called upon, by the American envoy, 
to fulfil her engagement. She objected, that the French 
decrees could not he considered as repealed, a letter from 
the minister of state not bein^, for that purpose, a docu 
ment of sufficient authority. In answer to this objectioD, 
proof was presented that the French admiralty courts 
considered them repealed, and that no American vessel, 
although many had entered the ports of France, had been 
subjected to their provisions. Great Britain, however, 
still persisted to enforce her orders. 

52. For this purpose, she had stationed shjps of war 
before the principle harbors of the United ^^tates. All 
American merchantmen, departing or returning, were 
boarded, searched, and many of them sent to British ports, 
as legal prizes. Impressments too were frequent, and the 
British officers, entertaining exalted ideas of their naval 
strength, and holding in contempt the republican flag, 
exhibited, on all occasions, an extreme insolence of be- 
havior, which nations as well as individuals expose them- 
selves to incur, by long and patient endurance of insult and 
aggression. 

53. In one instance, however, their insolence was de- 
servedly punished. Commodore Rogers, sailing in the 
frigate President, met, in the evening, a vessel on the 
coast of Virgioia. He hailed, but instead of receiving an 
answer, was hailed in turn, and a shot was fired which 
struck the mainmast of the President. The fire was 
instantly returned by the commodore, and continued for a 
few minutes, when, finding his antagonist was of inferior 
force and that her guns were almost silenced, he desisted. 
On hailing again, an answer was given, that the ship was 
the British sloop of war Little Belt, of 18 guns. Thirty- 
two of her men were killed and wounded, and the ship 
was much disabled. 

54. Mr. Foster, successor to Mr. Jackson, arrived at 
Washington in the summr-r of 1811, and proposed terms 
of reparation for the attack on the Chesapeake. These 
were a formal disavowal of the act, restoration to the 
frigate of the surviving sailors taken from it, a pecuniary 
provision for those who were wounded, and for the fami- 
lies of those who were killed. These terms were ao- 
jpepted by the president. 

55». But tlie British envoy could give no assuraiic© that 



181 L] ADMINISTRATION. S51 

his governrarnt w;is disposed to make a satisfactory 
arraiigeiiunt of the suhjoct of impressment, or to repeal 
the orders in council. Tliese orders, on the contrary, 
continued to be enforced with rigor; and on the restoration 
of a free commerce with France, a large number of Ameri- 
can vessels, laden with rich cargoes, and destined to her 
ports, fell into the power of British cruisers. Such wag 
now the state of affairs, that the United States suffered 
the evils of war, while great Britain enjoyed the advan- 
tag'^s. Her cruisers, since 1S03, had captured nine 
Imndred American vessels. 

56. The patience of the nation was exhausted. Presi- 
dent Madison, early in November, 1811, called congress 
together, laid before them the state of foreign relations, 
and recommended that the republic should be placed in an 
attitude to maintain, by force, its wounded honor and 
(essential interests. The representatives of the people, 
whose sentiments and feelings they expressed, determined 
to act in accordance with the views of the president. 

57. Laws were enacted providing for the increase of 
the regular army to 35,000 men ; for the augmentation of 
the naval establishment ; empowering the president to 
accept of the services of volunteers, to Make a detach- 
ment from the militia, and to borrow eleven millions of 
dollars. It was the expectation of many that Great 
Britain, witnessing these serious preparations, would re- 
cede from the stand she had taken. 

58. Events, h<<wever, occurred, while congress were in 
session, which considerably diminished this expectation. 
For several years, the Indian tribes residing near the 
remote lakes and the sources of the Mississippi, had dis- 
played symptoms of hostility, murdering a number of 
whites and robbing others of their i)roperty. In the fall 
of 1811, general Harrison, with a small force, was sent 
into their territories, instructed to negotiate if possible, 
but to fight if necessary. On the Oth of November, he 
arrived at Tippecanoe, their principal town, where he was 
met by Indian messengers, with whom an agreement was 
made, that hostilities should not take place before the next 
morning, and that then an amicable conference should be 
held. 

59. .lust before daybreak, the savages, in violation of 
their engagement, made a sudden and furious attack upon 
the troops in their encampment. Nothing but the pre- 
caution of sleeping in order of battle, on their arms, savt^d 



253 MADISON'S [ISIS. 

them from total defeat. A dreadful slaughter was made ; 
but the savages were finally repulsed, dispersed, and their 
town laid waste. A strong belief was entertained, founded 
upon credible testimony, that they had been incited to 
hostility by British agents stationed among them. 

60. In February, 1812, John Henry, who had once re- 
sided in Canada, communicated to the president the fact, 
that in 1809, he had been employed by the governor of 
that province, upon a secret mission to Boston, the 
metropolis of the New-England states ; and that he was 
instructed to confer with the disaffected, upon the subject 
of a separation of those states from the union, and their 
forming a political connection with Great Britain. He 
exhibited docimients in support of his disclosures, which 
he was led to make, by the neglect of his employer to re- 
ward him for his services. It did not appear that he had 
succeeded in corrupting the fidelity of any individual ; but 
the attempt, in a time of peace, and in the midst of the 
most amicable professions, not only preserved in full force 
but increased the previous irritation. 

61. Congress continued to be employed until the 20th 
of May, in making preparations for war, still cherishing the 
hope that a change of policy in Europe would render un- 
necessary an appeal to arms. On that day, the Hornet 
arrived from London, bringing information that no prospect 
existed of a favorable change. On the first of June, the 
president sent a message to congress, recounting the 
wrongs received from Great Britain, and submitting the 
question whether the United States should continue to 
endure them or resort to war ? 

62. The message was considered with closed doors. 
On the 18th, an act' was passed declaring war against 
Great Britain. Thp measure was decidedly condemned 
by a considerable jjortion of the citizens, among whom 
were many honest and able men. Exercising the undoubted 
privilege of freemen, they examined, with the severest 
scrutiny, the measures and motives of the administration. 
They asserted that the war was unnecessary, p^tial, and 
unwise : that it was unnecessary, because, in their opinion, 
a satisfactory adjustment of all disputes might have been 
obtained by farther negotiation: that it was partial, because 
France had given greater provocation, in proportion to her 
noans of annoyance, than Great Britain : that it was un- 
wise, because the nation was not prepared for war ; because, 
by dsclaring it against almost the only remaining enemy 



18ia.] ADMINISTRATION. 853 

of France, the United States indirectly out powerfully 
assisted Bonaparte in his design of universal conquest ; 
and because the expenses and suiferings it must unavoid- 
ably occasion, would more than counte-rbalance all the 
advantages sought to be obtained. And many, passing 
the limits of candid and temperate discussion, indulged in 
a virulence of inveciive of which no government should 
be the object that is not manifestly corrupt. 



* CHAPTER XXYI. 
CAMPAIGN OF 1812. 

The people of the United States remembered, with 
pride, the patriotism and bravery exhibited by their army 
in the revolutionary war. A long period of peace and pros- 
perity had increased their confidence in their own strength; 
and the belief was generally entertained, that victory over 
the same foe would now be so much the more certainly 
and easily gahied, as the nation was more rich and popu- 
lous. They did not reflect, that peace had impaired the 
military energies of the republic, while their enemy, by 
constant exercise in arms, had acquired, not only additional 
strength, but greater skill to use and apply it. 

2. From the veteran officers, who had acquired fame in 
the former conflict, a selection was made to fill the prin- 
cipal posts in the new army. Henry Dearborn, of Massa- 
chusetts, was appointed major-general and commander-in- 
chief. He was at the battle of Bunker's hill. In the ex- 
pedition against Quebec, he served as a captain under Ar- 
nold. He distinguished himself on these and other occa- 
sions; and at the close of the war bore the commission of 
colonel. He held, for a long time, the office of secretary 
of war, and discharged its duties with exemplary industry 
and skill. Thomas Pinkney, of South-Carolina, was also 
appointed major-general. Among the brigadiers were 
Wiikinson, Hull, Hampton, and Bloomfield. 

3. At the time of the delaration of war, general Hull 
was also governor of the Michigan territory, of which 
Detroit is the capital. On the 12th of July, with two 
thousand regulars and volunteers, he crossed the river di- 
viding the United States from Canada. On the same day, 
he addressed a prowlamation to the Canadians, tendering 

w 



254 MADISON'S [1812. 

them the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and assur- 
ing them, in a lofty tone, " that his force was sufficient 
to break down all opposition, '"' and yet was but the van- 
guard of one much greater. It appeared to be his purpose 
to attack Maiden, and thence proceed to Montreal. 

4. Had the attack been instantly made, success would 
have been highly probable. A» month was wasted in ruin- 
ous delay. Distrust and contempt expelled confidence and 
attachment from the breasts of the Canadians. The ar- 
dor of the troops began to cool. Maiden was reinforced ; 
and at this critical moment, information was received that 
Mackinaw, an American post above Detroit, had surren- 
dered to a large body of British and Indians, who were 
rushing down the river in numbers sufficient to overwhelm 
the American forces. Panic struck, general Hull has- 
tened back to Detroit. 

5. General Brock, the commander at Maiden, pursued 
him, with a force superior in number, but composed of 
militia and Indians. On the 14th of August, he erected 
batteries opposite Detroit. The next day, be began a can- 
nonade upon the American fortifications which was re- 
turned with precision and effect. On the 16th, the ene- 
my crossed the river, taking post about three miles above 
the city. Meeting with no resistance, and hearing that 
some of the American troops were absent, general Brock 
resolved to march directly forward and assault the fort. 

6. The troops, cool and undaunted, awaited in good order 
th-e approach of the enemy, anticipating an easy victory. 
To the astonishment of all, general Hull forbade the artillery 
to fire, and hung out a white flag in token of a wish to 
capitulate. A correspondence between the two generals 
was immediately opened, which ended in the surrender of 
the army and of the territory of Michigan. 

7. It is impossible to describe the indignation of the 
soldiers and citizens, when they saw themselves delivered, 
by the authority of one man, into the power of an enemy 
whom they supposed they might easily have conquered. 
Many believed him either a traitor or coward. An event 
BO disgraceful, occurring in a quarter where success was 
confidently anticipated, caused throughout the union the 
greatest mortification and amazement. Stung by disap- 
pointment, all united in censuring general Hull. His 
greatest, perhaps his only fault, was want of decision and 
energy. 

8. The people of Ohio and Kentucky were alarmed. 



1812.] ADMINISTRATION. 255 

Nearly ten thousand citizens made a tender of their ser- 
vices, and a part of them, placed under the command of 
general William H. Harrison, marched towards the terri- 
tory of Michigan. But great and numerous were the 
difficulties encomtered ; the volunteers were unwilling to 
submit to the wholesome restraints of discirline ; and 
winter arrived before any important undertaking could be 
accomplished. Several incursions were made into the 
countrv of the savages, who, instigated by British agents, 
and by a celebrated Indian prophet, and commanded by 
Tecumseh, a gallant warrior, had become almost universally 
hostile. 

9. For the purpose of invading Canada, in another quar- 
ter, an army of regulars and militia were assembled on 
the northern frontier of New- York. It was far less nu- 
merous than the government had anticipated. So happy 
was the condition of even the poorest class of American 
citizens, that but few could be induced to enlist as soldiers. 
And in some of the states the plausible doctrine was main- 
tained, that the officers of the general government have 
no power over the militia, until called into service and 
consigned to their authority, by the state executive, and 
that even then they cannot be compelled to march beyond 
the boundary of the republic. Several governors actually 
withheld their militia, when called for by the president, 
and thus dimininished the amount of one species of force 
upon which the general goverrunent had relied. 

10. General Van Rensselaer, of the New- York militia, 
being the senior officer on that frontier, had the command 
of these troops, which were called the army of the centre. 
His headquarters were at Lewistown. on the river Niagara, 
and on the opposite side was Queenstown, a fortified British 
post. The militia displaying great eagerness to be led 
against the enemy, the general determined to cross ovei 
to Queenstown. The first attempt was defeated by tem 
pestuous weather. On the 13th of October, a pa»ty, led 
by colonel Van Rensselaer, eifected a landing, although 
opposed by a British force stationed on the bank. The 
colonel was severely wounded, but the troops, under cap- 
tains Ogilvie and Wool, advanced to storm the fort. They 
gained possession, but, at the moment of success, general 
Brock arrived, from a neighboring post, with a reinforce- 
ment of six hundred men. These, although the most nu- 
merous, were gallantly driven back by the American troops, 
in attempting to rally them, general Brock ^vas killed. 



256 MADISON'S [1819 

11. General Yan Rensselaer, who had previously crossed 
over, now returned to hasten the emlmrkation of the rear 
division. Tliose who had lately shown such eagerness to 
meet the enemy, now utterly refused to pass beyond the 
national boundary. He entreated and remonstiated, but 
in vain. Meanwhile the enemy, having received anothei 
reinforcement, advanced to attack the Americans in the 
fort. A desperate and bloody conflict ensued, of which 
the militia were calm spectators. In the end, the British 
were completely victorious. Of one thousand men, wh< 
crossed into Canada, but few effected their escape. 

12. Soon after, general Van ReHsselaer retired from thft 
service and was succeeded by general Alexander Smyth, 
of Virginia. In a turgid address to the " Men of New 
York," he announced that, in a few days, he should plant 
the American standard in Canada, and invited them to 
share in the danger and glory of the enterprise. His force 
was increased, by those who obeyed his call, to 4500 men. 
The morning of the 28ih of November was assigned as 
the time for crossing. So tardy were the movements of 
the troops, that until afternoon, the first division was not 
ready to leave the American shore. The enemy appeared 
in force on the opposite bank ; a council of officers decided 
that it was inexpedient at that time to cross ; and the 
troops were ordered to aebark. They were disappointed 
and dissatisfied ; but their clamor was appeased by the 
assurance that another attempt would speedily be made. 

13. The next day, they received orders to be in readi- 
ness to embark on the first of December. But their first 
disappointment had sensibly damped their ardor. At the 
appointed hour, the boats were not ready to move ; and 
when ready, but 1500 men were found willing to cross. 
A council of war decided uji an imou sly against proceeding, 
and again the troops were ordered to debark. The plan 
of invading Canada was abandoned for the season. The 
blame of these failures was attributed, by the soldiers, to i 
their commander; and so highly were they exasperated, 
that, for several days, his life was in danger from their fury. 

14. The army of the north, whicli was under the imme- 
diate command of general Dearborn, was stationed at 
Greenbush, near Albany, and at Plattsburgh, on Lake 
Champlain. From the latter post, a detachment marched 
a short distance into Canada, surprised a small body of 
British and Indians, and destroyed a considerable quantity 
of public stores. Otlier movement-s were anxiously ex- 



pected by the people ; but after the misfortunes at Detroit 
and Niagara, the general deemed it inexpedient to engage 
in any important enterprise. 

15. Thus ended the campaign of 1812. Althcigh, on 
many occasions, extraordinary gallantry had besn dis- 
played, yet nothing was accomplished, and the losses 
sustained were numerous and heavy. Those who approved 
of the declaration of war felt disappointed, mortified, and 
dejected. They attributed most of the misfortunes of 
the country to the conduct of the federalists, whom they 
accused of endeavoring to prevent enlistments into the 
army, and of maintaining the most pernicious doctrines in 
relation to the militia. The federalists, on the other hand, 
attributed these repeated failures to the imbecility of the 
administration, and to the unwise selection of military 
officers. They assumed a bolder tone of censure, and 
evinced a more determined spirit of opposition. 

16. But whil3, on land, defeat and disgrace attended 
the arms of the republic, on tne ocean, where the injuries 
which led to the war had been inflicted, they gained a rich 
harvest of victory and glory. Upon the declaration of 
war, the Ameri'can officers and seamen glowed with ardor 
to avenge the sufferings of their impressed fellow-citizens, 
and to vindicate the honor of the republican flag. Those 
ships of war, which were ready for sea, immediately sailed 
in search of the enemy. 

17. On the 19th of August, captain Hull, who com- 
manded the Cons*'tution of forty-four gims, descried a 
liritish frigate. His crew, giving three cheers, requested 
to be placed alongside of their antagonist. For three 
quarters of an hour, the latter endeavored, by skilful 
manceuvering, to obtain the advantage of position. De- 
feated in this, she advanced towards the Constitution, 
firing broadsides at intervals. When she had approached 
within half pistol shot, a tremendous cannonade burst 
upon her from the American frigate. In thirty minutes, 
every mast and nearly every spar being shot away, she 
struck her flag. 

lei. She was found to be the Guerriere, of thirty-eight 
guns, commanded by captain Dacres. Of her crew, fifty 
were killed and sixty-four wounded. She had received 
so much injury that it was thought to be impossible to get 
her into port, and she was burned. The injury sustained 
hy the Constitution was slight ; of her crew, seven were 
killed and seven wounded. Although she carried a few 

W 2 



more gims than her antagonist, yet the immense disparity 
of effect clearly demonstrated the superior skill of the 
American seamen. Captain Hull, on h's return to the 
United States, was welcomed with enthusiasm., hy his 
grateful and admiring countrymen, who conferred upon 
him those honors and distinctions most dear to the patriot 
and hero. 

19. But this was the first only of a series of naval vic- 
tories. On the 18th of October, captain Jones, in the 
Wasp, of eighteen guns, captured the Frolic, of twenty- 
two, after a bloody conflict of three quarters of an hour. 
In this action, the Americans obtained a victory over a 
force decidedly superior. On their part, but eight were 
killed and wounded ; on that of the enemy, about eighty ! 
On the 25th, the frtgate United States, commanded by 
captain Decatur, encountered and captured the British 
frigate Macedonian. The former carried a few guns the 
most, but the disparity of loss was astonishingly great. 
On the part of the enemy, a hundred and four were killed 
and wounded ; on that of the Americans, but eleven ! The 
Wasp was unfortunately captured, soon after her victory, 
by a British ship of the line ; the United States brought 
her prize safely to New- York. 

20. A fourth naval battle was fought, and a fourth 
victory gained, on the 29th of December. On that day, 
the Constitution, of forty-four guns, then commanded by 
captain Bainbridge, captured the British frigate Java, of 
thirty-eight. The combat continued more than three 
hours. The Java was reduced to a wreck ; of her crew 
one hundred and sixty-one were killed and wounded ; of 
that of the Constitution, thirty-four. 

21. These successive victories were peculiarly gratifying 
to the nation ; they were gained, in the midst of disasters 
on land, and by that class of citizens whose rights had 
been violated : they were gained over a people claiming 
to be lords of the sea, whom long and continued success 
had rendered haughty and insolent, and who had confidently 
boasted that the whole American navy would soon be swept 
from the ocean. 

2S. Many British merchantmen v/ere likewise captured 
by the American navy ; and privateers, issuing from 
almost every port, and many of them bearing flags inscribed 
" Free Trade and Sailor's Rights," were remarkably sue* 
cessful. The number of prizes made during the first seyeji 
months of the war, exceeded five hundred 



1813.] ADMIJNISTKATIUJN. 259 

23. In the autumn of this year, the quadrennial period 
for the election of president and vice-president again re- 
curred. The candidates for president were, the incumbent, 
James Madison of Virginia, and De Witt Clinton of New- 
York ; for vice-president, Elbridge Gerry, of Massachu- 
setts, and .Tared Ingersoll, of Pennsylvania. Those who 
were opposed to the war, supported Mr. Clinton and Mr. 
Ingersoll ; and they were joined by many who believed 
that, should the former be elected president, and should 
he find it impractible to make an honorable peace, he would 
call forth the resources, and direct the arms of the republic, 
with more decision and energy. Great exertions were 
made by the partizans of the opposing candidates, and the 
passions of the people, especially in the middle and north- 
ern states, were highly excited. Of the electoral votes 
given, Mr. Madison received one hundred and tw^enty- 
eight, and Mr. Gerry one hundred and thirty-one, and were 
elected. Mr. Clinton received eighty-nine, and Mr. Inger- 
soll eighty-six. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 
CAMPAIGN OF 1813. 

At the commencement of the session of congress, held 
m the autumn of 1812, the president, in his message, stated 
that, immediately after the declaration of war, he commu- 
nicated to the British government the terms on which its 
progress might be arrested ; that these terms were, the 
repeal of the orders in council, the discharge of American 
seamen^ and the abandonment of the practice of impress- 
ment ; and that the ministry had declined to accede to 
his offers. 

2. He also stated that, at an early period of the war, he 
had received official information of the repeal of the orders 
in council ; that two projiositions for an armistice had been 
made to him, both of which he had rejected, as they could 
not have been accepted without conceding to Great Britain 
the right of impressment. 

3. The rejection of these propositions was approved by 
the national representatives, who, far from abandoning the 
ground they had taken, adopted more vigorous measures 
for the proseeution of the war. The bounty, and ths 



860 MADISON'S [1813. 

wages of soldiers, were increased. The president was 
authorized to raise twenty additional regiments of infantry, 
to issue treasury notes, and to borrow money. Provision 
was also made for building four ships of the line, six 
frigates, and as many vessels of war on the great lakes as 
the public service might require. 

4. So great was the desire of the citizens of the western 
country to regain possession of the territory of Michigan, 
that, in order to effect it, general Harrison resolved to 
undertake a winter campaign. General Winchester, with 
a portion of the western army, proceeded in advance to 
Frenchtown, a village on the river Raisin, not far from 
Detroit. A British party stationed in the village was 
attacked, routed, and entirely dispersed. 

5. The Americans encamped near the field of battle, a 
a part of them being protected by close garden pickets. 
Although near an enemy's post, but little precaution was 
taken to prevent a surprise. Early in the morning of the 
22d of January, they were attacked by a large force of 
British and Indians, the former commanded by colonel 
Procter, the latter by the chiefs Roundhead and Splitlog. 
Tlie troops in the open field were thrown into disorder. 
General Winchester and other officers, made an ineffectual 
attempt to rally them. They fled, but while attempting to 
escape were mostly killed by the Indians. The general and 
colonel Lewis were made prisoners. 

6. The troops behind the pickets maintained the contest 
with undaunted bravery. At length colonel Proctor assured 
general Winchester, that if the remainder of the Ameri- 
cans would immediately surrender, they should be protected 
from massacre ; but otherwise he would set fire to the 
village, and would not be responsible for the conduct of 
the savages. Intimidated by this threat, general Win- 
chester sent an order to the troops to surrender, which 
they obeyed. 

7. Colonel Proctor, leaving the wounded without a guard, 
marched back immediately to Maiden. The Indians ac- 
companied them a few miles, but returned early the next 
morning. Deeds of horror followed. The wounded offi- 
cers were dragged from the houses, killed and scalped in 
tlie streets. The buildings were set on fire. vSome who 
attempted to escape were forced back into the flames. 
Others were put to death by the tomahawk, and lefl 
shockingly mangled in the highway. The infamy of this 
butchery should not fall upon the perpetrators alone. It 



1813.] ADMINISTRATION. 361 

must rest equally upon those who instigated them to hos- 
tility, bywhose side they fought, who were able, and were 
hound by a solemn engagement to restrain them. 

8. The batUe and massacre at Frenchtown clothed 
Kentucky and Ohio in mourning. Other volunteers, 
indignant at the treachery and cruelty of their foes, has- 
tened to the aid of Harrison. He marched to the rapids 
of Miami, where he erected a fort, which he called fort 
Meigs, in lienor of the governor of Ohio. On the first of 
May, it was invested by a large number of Indians, and 
by a party of British troops from Maiden, the whole com 
raanded by colonel Proctor. 

9. Five days afterwards, general Clay, at the head of 
1200 Kentuckians, made an attempt to raise the siege. 
Dividing his force into several parties, and making an im- 
petuous onset, he drove the besiegers from their works. 
His troops, supposing the victory complete and disregarding 
the orders of their commander, dispersed into the woods. 
The enemy, returning from their flight, obtained an easy 
victory. Of the Americans, two cr three hundred escaped 
into the fort ; about three hundred were killed or made 
prisoners ; the remainder fled to the nearest settlements. 
The enemy sustained considerable loss. 

10. The fort continued to be defended with bravery and 
Rkill. The Indians, unaccustomed to sieges, became 
weary and discontented. On the 8th of May, notwith- 
standing the entreaties of their chief, Tecumseh, they 
deserted their allies. On the 9th, the enemy, despairingf 
of success, made a precipitate retreat. General Harrison, 
leaving general Clay in commard, returned to Ohio for 
reinforcements; but in this quarter active operations were 
not resumed until a squadron had been built and prepared 
for action on Lake Erie. 

11. At Sackett's Harbor, on the northern frontier, a 
body of troops had been assembled under the command of 
general Dearborn, and great exertions were made, by 
commodore Channcey, to build and equip a squadron, on 
I^ake Ontario, sufliciently powerful to contend with that 
of the enemy. By the '33th of April, the naval prepara- 
tions were so far completed that the general, and 1700 
troops, were conveyed across the lake to the attack of 
York, the capital of Upper Canada. 

V2. On the 27th, an advanced party, led by brigadier- 
general Pike, who Avas born in a camp and bred a soldier 
from hie birth, landed, although opposed, at the water's 



MADISON'S [1813 

edge, by a superior force. After a short but severe con- 
flict, the enemy were driven to their fortifications. The 
rest of the troops having landed, the whole party pressed 
forward, carried the first battery by assault, and were 
moving towards the main works, when the enemy's maga- 
zine blew up, with a tremendous explosion, hurling upon the 
advancing troops immense quantities of stone and timber. 

13. Numbers were killed, the gallant Pike seoeived a 
mortal wound ; the troops halted for a moment, but re- 
covering from the shock, again pressed forward and soon 
gained possession of the town. Of the British troops, one 
hundred were killed, nearly three hundred were wounded, 
and the same number made prisoners. Of the Americans, 
three hundred and twenty were killed and wounded, and 
nearly all of them by the explosion of the magazine. The 
flag which waved over the fort was carried to the dying 
Pike ; at his desire, it was placed under his head, when, 
with the smile of triumph on his lips, he expired. 

14. The object of the expedition attained, the squadron 
and troops returned to Sackett's Harbor, whence, the 
wounded and prisoners being landed and other troops taken 
on board, it sailed to Fort George, at the head of the lake. 
After a warm engagement, the enemy abandoned, and the 
Americans entered the fort. The fugitives retired to the 
heights, at the head of Burlington bay. On their retreat, 
they were joined by a detachment from Fort Erie and 
Chippeway. Two brigades, under generals Chandler and 
Winder, were despatched in pursuit. On the evening of 
the 5th of June, they encamped at Stoney Creek, in the 
vicinity of the enemy, who, considering their situation 
desperate, turned upon their pursuers and attacked them 
in the night. 

15. The Americans received them with coolness; but 
such was the darkness, that general Chandler, intending 
to place himself at the head of his artillery, threw him- 
self into the midst of a British party. A few minutes 
afterwards, the same mistake was committed by general 
Winder. Satisfied with the capture of these officers, and 
a few other prisoners, the enemy made a precipitate re- 
treat. The American troops returned to Fort George, 
This misfortune was soon followed by another. Lieuten- 
ant-colonel Boerstler, having been sent with 500 men, to 
disperse a body of the enemy collected at the Beaver Dams, 
was surrounded, and the whole detachment made prisoners. 

16. While the greater part of the Am«riean army was 



1813.J ADMINISTRATION. 2G3 

thus employed in Canada, the British made an attack upon 
the important post of Sackett's Harbor. On the 27th of 
May, their squadron appeared before the town. Alarm 
guns instantly assembled the citizens of the neighborhood. 
General Brown, of the New-York militia, commanded in 
chief, his whole force amounting to about one thousand 
men. By his orders, a slight breastwork was hastily 
thrown up, at the only place where the enemy could land. 
Behind this, he placed the militia, the regulars under 
colonel Backus forming a second line. 

17. On the morning of the 29th, one thousand British 
troops landed from the squadron. They advanced toward 
the breastwork. The militia, seized with a sudden panic, 
fled, in confasion. Colonel Mills, in a vain attempt to 
rally them, was mortally wounded. The regularSj after a 
spirited resistance, were compelled to retire tow^ard the 
town, but in their retreat they took possession of the houses 
on the road. From these coverts they poured so destruc- 
tive a fire upon the British column, that it halted and fell 
back. General Brown, by a stratagem, converted this 
slight check into a precipitate flight. Collecting the panic 
struck militia, he directed their course along a road, which, 
while it led from the village, appeared to the British com- 
mander to lead to the place of landing. Perceiving them 
marching with great speed, he supposed that their object 
was to cut off his retreat, and re-embarked so hastily as 
to leave behind most of his wounded. General Brown, 
in recompense for his services, was appointed a brigadier 
in the regtilar army. 

18. Meanwhile, upon the sea coast, a distressing and 
predatory war was carried on, by large detachments from 
the powerful navy of Great Britain. One squadron, sta- 
tioned in Delaware bay, captured and burned every mer- 
chant vessel which came within its reach. The inhabitants 
of Lewiston, in the state of Delaware, having refused to 
sell provisions to tho enemy, the village was bombarded 
and several attempts were made to land, but they were 
defeated bv the miUtia. 

19. Early in the spring, another and more powerful 
squadron arrived in Chesapeake bay. It was commanded 
by admiral Cockburn, who, departing from the usual modes 
of honorable warfare, directed his efforts principally against 
unoffending citizens and peaceful villages. The farm- 
houses and gcntlpmei.'s seats near the shore were plun- 
dered, and the cattle driven away or wantonly slaughtered. 



264 MADISON'S [1813. 

Frenchtown, Havre de Grace, Fredericktown, and George- 
town were sacked and burned. Norfolk was saved from 
a similar fate, by the determined bravery of a small force 
stationed on Craney Island, in tlie harbor. A furious 
attack was made upon Hampton, which, notwithstanding 
the gallant resistance of its small garrison, was captured, 
and the unfortunate inhabitants suffered all which a brutal 
and unrestrained soldiery could inflict. 

20. The ocean, in the mean time, had been the theatre 
of sanguinary conflicts, in which the victors gained un- 
tarnished laurels. Captain Lawrence, in the sloop of war 
Hornet, discovering, in the neutral port of San Salvador, 
a. British sloop of war of superior force, challenged her 
commander to meet him at sea. The challenge being 
declined, captain Lawrence blockaded the port until forced 
by a ship of the line to retire. 

21. Soon after, on the 23d of February, the Hornet met 
the British brig Peacock, of about equal force. A fierce 
combat ensued. In less than fifteen minutes, the Peacock 
struck her colors, displaying, at the same time, a signal of 
distress. The victors hastened to the relief of the van- 
quished, and the same strength which had been exerted to 
conquer was now exerted to save. Their efforts were 
but partially successful. She sunk before all her crew 
could be removed, carrying down nine British seamen and 
three brave anu generous Americans. In the battle, the 
loss of the Hornet was but one killed and two wounded ; 
that of the Peacock was never ascertained. 

22. On his return to the United States, captain Law- 
rence was promoted to the command of the frigate Chesa- 
peake, then in the harbor of Boston. For several weeks, 
the British frigate Shannon, of equal force but having a 
selected crew, had been cruising before the port ; and cap- 
tain Brook, her commander, had announced his wish to 
meet, in single combat, an American frigate. Inflamed 
by this challenge, captain Lawrence, although his crew 
was just enlisted, and his officers were strangers to him 
and to each other, set sail, on the first of June, in pursuit 
of the Shannon. 

23. Towards evening of the same day, they met, and 
instantly engaged, with unexampled fui-y. In a very few 
minutes, and in quick succession, the sailing master of tlic 
Chesapeake was killed, captain Lawrence and three lieu- 
tenants were severely wounded, her rigging was so cut to 
pieces that she foil on board the Shannon, her chest of 



1813.] ADMINISTRATION. 265 

arms blew up, captain Lawrence received a second and 
mortal wound and was carried below ; at this instant, the 
position of the ships being favorable, captain Brook, at the 
head of his marines, gallantly boarded the Chesapeake, 
when, every officer who could take command being killed 
or wounded, resistance ceased, and the American llag was 

^, struck by the enemy. 

1 24. That fortune favored the Shannon cannot be doubted. 

■ That the event would have been the same had fortune 

, favored neither, is rendered probable by the astonishing 
effect of her fire. This unexpected defeat impelled the 
Americans to seek for circumstances consoling to their 
pride, and in the journals of the day, many such were 
stated to have preceded and attended the action. But 
nothing could allay their grief at the fall of the youthful 
and intrepid Lawrence. His previous victory and mag- 
nanimous conduct had rendered him the favorite of the 
nation, and he was lamented with sorrow, deep, sincere, 
and lasting. When carried below, he was asked if the 
colors should be struck. " No," he replied, " they shall 
wave while I live." When the fate of the ship was de- 
cided, his proud spirit was broken. He became delirious 
from excess of mental and bodily suffering. Whenever 
able to speak, he would exclaim, " Don't give up the ship !" 
an expression consecrated by his countrymen ; and he 
uttered but few other words during the four days that he 
survived his defeat. 

25. This victory was not achieved without loss. Of 
the crew of the Shannon, twenty-four were killed and 
fifty-six wounded. Of that of the Chesapeake, forty- 
eight were killed and nearly one hundred wounded. Great 
was the exultation of the enemy. Victories over the 
frigates of other nations were occurrences too common t« 
excite emotion ; but the capture of an American frigate 
\vzs considered a glorious epoch in the naval history of 
Great Britain. The honors and rewards bestowed upon 
captain Brook were such as had never before been received 
but by the conqueror of a squadron. These demonstrations 
cf triumph were inadvertent confessions of American su- 
periority ; and were, to the vanquished themselves, sources 
of triumph and consolation. 

26. The next encoupter at sea was between the Ame- 
rican brig Argus and the British brig Pelican. The latter 
was of superior force, and was vii'torious. Soon after, 
the American brig Eiiterprise, commanded by lieutenant 

2^ 



266 MADISON'S [1813. 

Burrows, captured the British brig Boxer, commanded by 
captain Blyth. These vessels were of equal force, but 
the greater effect of the fire of the Enterprise furnished 
to the Americans another prooi of the superior skill of 
their seamen. Both commanders were killed in the action, 
and were buried, each by the other's side, in Portland. 

27. The events of the war again call our attention to 
the northwestern frontier. While each nation was busily 
employed in equipping a squadron on Lake Erie, general 
Clay remained inactive at Fort Meigs. About the last of 
July, a large number of British and Indians appeared before 
the fort, hoping to entice the garrison to a general action 
in the field. After waiting a few days without succeeding, 
they decamped, and proceeded to Fort Stephenson, on the 
river Sandusky. This fort was little more than a picket- 
ing surrounded by a ditch ; and the garrison consisted of 
but 160 men, who were commanded by major Croghan, 
a youth of twenty-one. On the first of August, it was 
invested by 500 regulars and 800 Indians. 

28. After a cannonade, which continued two days, the 
enemy, in the evening, supposing a breach had been made, 
advanced to assault the works. Anticipating this, major 
Croghan had planted a six pounder, the only piece of can- 
non in the fort, in a position to enfilade the ditch. It was 
loaded with grape-shot and slugs, and was discharged the 
instant the asailants arrived before it. The British com- 
mander and many of his men were killed, and many others 
severely wounded. The remainder in haste and disorder, 
retreated to their former position, and at dawn of day 
retired to Maiden. The youthful Croghan, for his valor 
and good conduct, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant- 
colonel. He and his brave companions received the thanks 
of congress ; and to evince their respect for his virtues, the 
ladies of Chillicothe presented to him an elegant sword. 

29. In the mean time, by the exertions of commodore 
Perry, an American squadron had been prepared for service 
on Lake Erie. It consisted of nine small vessels, carry- 
ing in all fifty-four guns. A British squadron had also 
been built and equipped, under the superintendence of 
commodore Barclay. It consisted of six vessels mounting 
sixty-three guns. 

30. Commodore Perry, immediately sailing, offered battle 
to his adversary. On the tenth of September, the British 
commander, having the wind in his favor, left the harbor 
of Maiden, to accept the offer. In a few hours, the wind 



1813.] ADMINISTRATION. 267 

shifted, giving the Americans the advantage. Perry, 
forming tjie line of battle, hoisted his flag, on which were 
inscribed the words of the dying Lawrence, " Don't give 
up the ship." Loud huzzas from all the vessels proclaimed 
the animation with which this motto inspired their patri- 
otic crews. 

3L About noon, the firing commenced ; but the wind 
being light, the Lawrence, the commodore's flag-ship, was 
the only American vessel that could, at first, engage in 
close action. For two hours, she contended alone with ' 
two vessels, each nearly her equal in force. All but seven 
of her crew were either killed or wounded, and she, by 
the damage she had received, was rendered wholly un- 
manageable. The wind springing up, captain Elliot was at 
length enabled to bring the Niagara into action. To this 
ship, commodore Perry, sailing in an open boat through 
the midst of the fire, transferred his flag. Again the com- 
bat raged with undiminished fury. In a short time, one 
of the British vessels surrendered, and soon after another; 
and the rest of the American squadron now joining in the 
action, the victory was rendered decisive and complete. 
At four o'clock, the brave and fortunate commander des- 
patched to general Harrison, at Fort Meigs, this laconic 
epistle : "We have met the enemy, and they are ours." 

32. Great was the joy which this brilliant victory oc- 
casioned throughout the union. That it was achieved 
over a superior force ; that it was the first ever gained 
over a squadron ; that it was entirely decisive ; that it 
opened the way to the recovery of all that had been lost 
by the defeat of general Hull, — were circumstances which 
threw every other victory into the shade, and cast the 
brightest lustre upon the characters of the heroes who had 
gained it. At every place that he visited, the gallant 
Perry received the most flattering proofs of a nation's 
gratitude and love. 

33. As soon as general Harrison, who had been joined 
by governor Shelby with a large body of Kentucky militia, 
received intelligence of this victory, he hastened to the 
lake, and was conveyed by the vessels to Maiden. The 
British commander, anticipating this movement, had aban- 
doned that place, which, on the 28th of September, was 
occupied, without opposition, by the American army. 

34. The enemy, passing Detroit in their retreat, ascended 
the river Thames, to the Moravian villages. They were 
pursued by general Harrison, and, on the 5th of October, 



MADISON'S* [1813k 

brought tn action. His force being greatly superior, a 
complete victory was easily and speedily gained. Six 
hundred, nearly the whole of the party, were made priso- 
ners ; Tecumseh, the celebrated Indian chief was killed; 
and all the posts that had been surrendered by general Hull 
were recovered from the enemy. 

35. Leaving general Cass in command at Detroit, general 
Harrison, with part of the regular force, again embarked, 
on board the vessels, and, on the 24th, arrived at Buffalo, 
in New- York, intending to join the American army on the 
Niagara frontier. But a sufficient number of general offi- 
cers having been assigned to that army, he received per- 
mission to return to his family. 

36. Previous to the events just related, general Dear- 
born, in consequePice of severe indisposition, was with- 
drawn from active service, and general Wilkinson appointed 
to command the army of the centre, which comprised 
about 7000 men. Having received orders, from the secre- 
tary of war, to descend the St. Lawrence and attack Mon- 
treal, he directed the scattered detachments to assemble at 
Grenadier-Island, on lake Ontario. Such were the diffi- 
culties attending the concentration of the troops, and such 
perhaps the want of vigor in the commander, that the 
flotilla, upon which they embarked, did not get under way 
until the 5th of November. 

37. Their progress was impeded by parties which the 
enemy, at every convenient position, had stationed on the 
Canada shore. To disperse these, a body of troops, un- 
der the command of general Brown, was landed, and 
directed to march in advance of the boats. At Chrystler's 
fields, on the 11th of November, a body of the enemy, of 
equal force, was encountered. In the battle which ensued, 
both fought with resolute bravery, and both claimed the 
victory. The loss of the Americans was greatest, but 
they drove the enemy from their position, and enabled the 
flotilla to pass unmolested. i 

38. The next day it arrived at vSt. Regis. At this place, 
general Hampton, who commanded the troops at Platts- 
burg, had been ordered to meet the main army, and no 
doubt had been entertained of his disposition and ability 
to comply with the order. But here general Wilkinson, 
to his surprise and mortification, was informed that the 
contemplated junction would not take place. The project 
of attacking Montreal was a])andoned, and the army un- 
der Wilkinson, marching to French Mills, there encamped 
for the winter. 



1813.] ADMINISTRATION. 269 

39. This abortive issue of the campaign occasioned 
murmurs throughout the nation. The causes which led 
to it have never been fully developed. The severest cen- 
sure fell upon general Armstrong, w^ho was secretary of 
war, and upon general Hampton. The latter soon after 
resigned his commission in the army, and general Izard 
was selected to command the post at Plattsburg. 

40. In the progress of our narrative, some events have 
been passed over, which will now be related. In the 
early part of this year, the emperor of Russia offered his 
mediation to the two powers at war. On the part of tlie 
United States, the offer was promptly accepted, and Messrs. 
Adams, Gallatin, and Bayard, were appointed commis- 
sioners to negotiate, at St. Petersburg, a peace under the 
proffered mediation. 

41. On the 24th of May, congress was convened by 
proclamation of the president. Laws were enacted impo- 
sing a direct tax of three millions of dollars ; authorizing 
the collection of various internal duties ; providing for a 
loan of seven and a half million of dollars ; and prohibiting 
the merchant vessels of the United States from sailing 
under British licenses. Near the close of the session, a 
committee, appointed to inquire into the subject, made a 
long report upon the spirit and manner in which the war 
had been conducted by the enemy. Many proofs were pre- 
sented of shameful departures from the rules of warfare 
observed by civilized nations. 

42. In vSeptember, commodore Chauncey made two crui- 
ses upon lake Ontario, and repeatedly offered battle to the 
enemy's squadron, which was superior in force ; but Sir 
James Yeo, the British commander, intimidated by the 
result of the battle on lake Erie, retired before him. On 
one occasion, however, in a running fight, his ships sus- 
tained considerable injury. 

43. In the same month, captain Rogers, who commanded 
the frigate President, returned from a long cruise, having 
captured eleven merchantmen ; but he met no armed ves- 
vels, the capture of which could enhance his reputation. 
Captain Porter, in the Essex rode triumphant in the Pa- 
cific ocean, annoying the trade of the enemy -and protecting 
that of the republic. 

44. The Indians at the southern extremity of the union 
hadimbibedthfe same hostile spirit as those at the North- 
western. They had been visited by Teciimseh, and, by 
his eloquence, persuaded, that the great Spirit required 

X 2 



970 MADISON'S [1815. 

them to unite and attempt the extirpation of the whites, 
and had promised them victory as the reward of their ex- 
ertions. In the fal] of 1812, a cruel war was carried on, 
hy the Creeks and Seminoles, against the frontier inhabit- 
ants of Georgia. General Jackson at the head of 2500 
volunteers from Tennessee, marched into the country of 
the Indians. They, overawed by his presence, desisted 
for a time from hostility ; but, after his return, their ani- i 
mosity burst forth with increased and fatal violence. i 

45. Dreading their cruelty, about three hundred men, 
women, and children sought safety in Fort Mimms, in the 
Tensaw settlement. Although frequent warnings of an 
intended attack had been given them, yet, at noonday, on 
the 30th of August, they were surprised by a party of six 
hundred Indians, who with axes cut their way into the 
fort, and drove the people into the houses which it enclosed. 
To these they set fire. Many persons Avere burned, and 
many killed by the tomahawk. Only seventeen escaped 
to carry the horrid tidings to the neighboring stations. 

46. The whites resolved on vengeance. Again general 
Jackson, at the head of 3500 militia of Tennessee, marched 
into the southern wilderness. A detachment under general 
Coffee, encountering, at Tallushatehie, a body of Indians, 
a sanguinary conflict ensued. The latter fought with 
desperation, neither giving nor receiving quarter, until 
nearly every warrior had perished. 

47. At Talladega, another battle was fought, in which 
three hundred Indians perished. The rest of the party, 
exceeding seven hundred, fled. General Jackson's pro- 
visions being exhausted, he was unable to pursue them. 
AVhile on his return to the settlements, to obtain a supply, 
his troops became refractory and even mutinous. Nearly 
all returned to their homes ; but to the small number that 
remained were soon added a reinforcement of one thousand 

! mounted volunteers. 

j 48. At the head of this force, he marched to EmuckfaWr 
within a bend of the Tallapoosa, where a body of the 
enemy were posted. To several skirmishes succeeded a 
general battle, in which the M'hites were victorious, but 
sustained considerable loss. For the relief of the wounded, 
Jackson returned to Fort Strother, where the volunteers 
were discharged. General White from East TeELnessee, 
and general Floyd from Georgia, led separate expeditions 
.Sigaiust the Indians, and were victorious in every^ combat. 



1813.] ADMINISTRATION. 271 

So enraged were the savages, that but few would accept 
of quarter or seek safety in retreat. 

49. Yet still was the spirit of the Creeks unsubdued, 
and their faith in victory unshaken. With no little sa- 
gacity and skill, they select'id and fortified another position 
on the Tallapoosa, called by themselves Tohopeka, and 
by the whites. Horse-shoe Bend. Here nearly a thousand 
warriors, animated with a fierce and determined resolution, 
were collected. Three thousand men, commanded by 
general Jackson, marched to attack this post. To prevent 
escape, a detachment, under general Coffee, encircled the 
Bend. The main body, keeping within it, advanced to the 
fortress. For a few minutes, the opposing forces were 
engaged, muzzle to muzzle, at the port holes. Soon the 
troops, leaping over the walls, mingled with the savages. 
The combat was furious and sanguinary. The Indians, 
fleeing at length to the river, beheld the troops on the 
opposite bank. Returning, they fought with increased 
fury and desperation, and continued to resist until night, 
^x hundred warriors were killed ; four only yielded them- 
selves prisoners ; the remaining three hundred escaped. 
(Jf the whites, fifty-five were killed, and one hundred and 
forty-six wounded. 

50. It was expected that another stand would be made, 
by the Indians, at a place called the Hickory-ground. 
General Jackson marched thither in April. The principal 
chiefs came out to meet him, and among them was Wether- 
ford, a half blood, distinguished equally for his talents and 
cruelty. " I am in your power," said he, " do with me 
what you please. I commanded at Fort Mimms. I have 
done the white people all the harm I could. Lhave fought 
them, and fought them bravely. There was a time when 
I had a choice ; I have none now, even hope is ended. 
Once I could animate my warriors ; but I cannot animate 
the dead. They can no longer hear my voice ; their bones 
are at Tallushatchie, Talladega, Emuckfaw, and Tohopeka. 
While there was a chance of success, I never supplicated 
peace ; but my people are gone, and I now ask it for my 
nation and myself." Peace was concluded, and the brave 
general Jackson and his troops enjoyed an honorable but 
short reoose. 



CHAPTER XX f 01. 
CAMPAIGN OF 1814. 

CONCLUSION OF THE WAR. 
J f 

' In the winter of 1813-14, the fifteenth congress held a' 
second session. To increase the number, and to add to 
the efficiency of the army, several laws were passed, by 
one of which the enormous bounty of one hundred and 
twenty-four dollars was offered to recruits. The president 
was authorized to borrow twenty-five millions of dollars, 
and to issue treasury notes to the amount of five millions. 

2. Before the termination of the session, a communication 
was received fr«m the British government, declining to 
treat under the mediation of Russia, and proposing a direct 
negotiation at London or Gottenburgh. The proposition 
was accepted by the American government, who chose 
Gottenburgh as the place of meeting, for which Ghent was 
afterwards substituted ; and Henry Clay and Jonathan 
Russell, were joined with the commissioners already in 
Europe. Mr. Clay, in consequen-e, relinquished the sta- 
tion of speaker of the house of representatives, and was 
succeeded by Langdon Cheves, of South-Carolina. 

3. Early in the spring, the American army marched from 
French-Mills ; apart of the troops, under the command of 
general Wilkinson, proceeding to Plattsburgh, and the 
remainder, under general Brown, returning to Sackett's 
Harbor. Near the last of March, general Wilkinson 
penetrated into Canada, and attacked a body of the enemy, 
occupying a large stone mill, on the river La Cole. He 
was repulsed with considerable loss. This defeat de- 
tracted from his already diminished reputation. He was 
removed from command, and general Izard appointed to 
succeed him. 

4. For three months, the armies of both nations con^ 
tinned inactive. Meanwhile information was received of 
the stupendous events which had recently occurred in 
Europe. The emperor of France, having been arrested 
in his victorious career and sustained defeat after defeat, 
was compelled to abdicate Lis throne, and retire to the 
island of Elba. Louis the XVHI was proclaimed king; 
and Great Britain, at peace vrith all the world but the 
United States, was enabled to direct agaiast theiQ d»ii6 



1814.] ADMINISTRATION. S73 

the immense force which had been employed to crush 
her rival. She delayed not to use the advantages af- 
forded by her good fortune. From the ports of conquered 
France, ships of war and transports bearing veteran and 
victorious troops, sailed to the American continent, some 
destined to the Niagara frontier, and sonie to the Atlantic 
coast. 

5. These events could not be viewed with indifference 
by the American people. The friends of the administration 
anticipated a severer conflict, and prepared for greater ; 
sacrifices and greater sufferings. Its opposers were en- 
couraged to make more vigorous efforts to wrest the reins 
of authority from men wuj, they asserted, had shown 
themselves incompetent to hold them. These efforts, 
although condemned by a grc>at majority of the people, di- 
minished in no slight degree, the strength of the republic. 

6. In the beginning of July, general Brown, who had 
been assiduously employed in disciplining his troops, 
crossed the Niagara with about 3000 men, and took pos- 
session, without opposition, of Fort Erie. In a strong 
position, at Chippewa, a few miles distant, was intrenched 
an equal number of British troops commanded by general 
Riall. On the 4th, general Brown approaahed their works. 
The next day, the two armies met in the open field. The 
conflict was obstinate and bloody. The Americans were 
victorious ; and the enemy, having sustained the loss of 
five hundred men, sought safety behind their intrenchments. 

7. This decisive victory, achieved aft^r so many reverses, 
was hailed as an omen of future success. Soon afterwards, 
general Riall, abandoning his works, retired to the heights 
of Burlington. Here lieutenant-general Drummond, with 
a large reinforcement, joined him, and assuming the com- 
mand, led back the army towards the American camp. 
On the 25th, was fought the battle of Bridgewater, which 
Degan hefore sunset and continued until midnight. 

8. This battle was fought near the cataract of Niagara, 
whose roar was silenct d by the thunder of cannon and the 
din of arms, but was distinctly heard during the pauses of 
the fi^ht. At intervals the moon shone brightly, but often 
her light was obscured. Against a superior force, the 
Americans, for several hours, contended with various suc- 
cess. During the first part of the engagement, they were 
sorely annoyed, into whatever part of the field they might 
drive the enemy or be driven, Ijy the British artillery, 
stationed on a commandiiig eminence. " Can yoa storm 



274 MADISON'S [1814- 

that battery ?" said general Ripley to colonel Miller. " I'll 
try, sir," was the laconic answer. At the word of com- 
mand his men, with steady courage, ascended the hill, 
advanced to the muzzles of the cannon, killed with the 
bayonet several artillery-men, on the point of firing their 
pieces, and drove the remainder before them. 

9. Both parties were instantly reinforced, and the enemy 
made a daring effort to regain their cannon. They were 
repulsed, but quickly repeated the attempt. Nearly all 
the opposing forces gathered around this position, and to 
possess it was the sole object of both armies. Again the 
enemy were repulsed ; but again they renewed the effort. 
After a violent conflict, they were a third time driven 
from the hill. The firing then ceased ; the British troops 
were withdrawn ; and the Americans were left in quiet 
possession of the field. 

10. Generals Brown and Scott having both been severely 
wounded, the command devolved upon general Ripley. 
He remained a few hours upon the hill, collected the 
wounded, and then returned unmolested to the camp. 
The number of the killed and wounded proves the bravery 
of the combatants, and the severity of the conflict. On 
the American side it was 743 ; on the British, one hundred 
less ; and of the latter 117 more were missing than of the 
former. The British, therefore, besides losing their posi- 
tion, sustained the greater loss of men. 

11. General Ripley found his force so much weakened, 
that he deemed it prudent again to occupy Fort Erie. On 
the 4th of August, it was invested by general Drummond 
with 5000 troops. In defending it, no less bravery and 
skill were requisite, and no less were displayed, than ia 
contending in the field. In the night between the 14th 
and 15th, the besiegers made an assault upon the fort, 
which was repelled with conspicuous gallantry by tho 
garrison, the former losing more than nine hundred men, 
the latter but eighty-four. 

12. The siege was still continued. On the 2d of Sep- 
tember, general Brown, having recovered from his wounds, 
threw himself into the fort and took command of the gar- 
rison. For their fate, great anxiety was felt by the nation, 
which was, however, in some degree, removed by the 
march from Plattsburgh of five thousand men to their 
relief. On the 17th, a sortie was made by the besieged, 
general Porter of the New- York mili'iia, and general Miller 
of the regular army, commanding divisions. The bravery 



1814.] ADMINISTRATION. 275 

of the troops equalled that which they had displayed in the 
recent contests. After an hour of close fighting, they 
returned to the fort, having killed, wdunded, and taken 
one thousand of the enemy. Tlieir loss was severe, 
amounting to more than five hundred. 

13. On the 21st of September, tlie forty-ninth day of 
the siege, general Drurmnond withdrew his forces, relieving 
the garrison from their toil, which had been incessant, and 
from their danger, which had been encountered without 
fear. Seldom have troops deserved higher praise of their 
country. On the 9th of October, general Izard arrived 
with the reinforcement from Plattsburgh, and being senior 
officer, took the command. On the 18th, he marched, 
with his whole force, in pursuit of the enemy, whom he 
found at Chippewa, strongly posted in a fortified camp. 
After making several unsuccessful attempts to entice them 
into the field, he evacuated Canada, and placed his troops 
in winter quarters at Buffalo, Blackrock, and Batavia. 

14. The march of the troops from Plattsburgh having 
left that post almost defenceless, the enemy determined to 
attack it by land, and, at the same time, to attempt the 
destruction of the American flotilla on Lake Champlain. 
On the 3d of September, Sir George Prevost, the governor- 
general of Canada, with an army of 14,000 men, most of 
whom iiad served in the wars of Europe, entered the ter- 
ritories of the United States. As soon as his object was 
ascertained, brigadier-general Macomb, the commander at 
Plattsburgh, called to his aid the militia of New-York and 
Vermont, who, with alacrity and without distinction of 
party, obeyed tlie call. 

15. On the 6tb, the enemy arrived at Plattsburgh, which 
is situated near Lake Champlain, on the northerly bank of 
the small river Saranac. On their approach, the American 
troops, who were posted on the opposite bank, tore up the 
planks of the bridges, with which they formed slight 
breastworks, and prepared to dispute the passage of the 
stream. Several attempts to cross it were made by the 
enemy, but they were uniformly defeated. From this time, 
until the 11th, the British army were employed in erecting 
batteries, while the American forces were every hour aug- 
mented by the arrival of volunteers and militia. 

16. P]arly in the morning of that day, the British squad- 
ron, comnumded by connnodore Downie, appeared off the 
harbor of Plattsburgh, wiiere that of the United States, 
commanded by comnioJore McDonough, Uy at anchor 



276 MADISON'S [1814 

prepared for battle. The former carried ninety-five guns, 
and was manned with upwards of 1000 men, the latter 
carried eighty-six guns, and was manned with 820 men. 

17. At nine o'clock the battle commenced. Seldom 
has the ocean witnessed a more furious encounter than 
now took place on the bosom of this transparent and 
peaceful lake. At the same moment, the enemy on land 
began a heavy cannonade upon the American lines, and 
attempted, at different places, to cross the Saranac. At 
a ford above the village the strife was hot and deadly. As 
often as the enemy advanced into the water, they received 
a destructive fire from the militia, and their dead bodies 
floated down the stream literally crimsoned with blood. 

18. At half past eleven, the shout of victory, heard 
along the American lines, announced the result of the 
battle on the lake. A second British squadron had yielded 
to the prowess of American seamen. The cry animated 
to braver deeds their brethren on the land. Fainter became 
the efiforts of the enemy. In the afternoon, they withdrew 
to their intrenchments. In the night, they began a pre- 
cipitate retreat, and had fled eight miles before their de- 
parture was known in tlie American camp. 

19. Upon the lake, the American loss was 110; the 
British 194, besides prisoners. On land, the American 
loss was 119 ; that of the British was estimated at 2500. 
In the latter number, however, were included more than 
five hundred British soldiers, who, preferring America to 
their native country, deserted from the retreating army. 
With these splendid victories closed the campaign on the 
northern frontier. 

20. On the ocean, the republican flag maintained its 
high reputation. Victory was not always won ; but defeat 
never occurred attended with dishonor. The Essex, com- 
manded by captain Porter, after a bloody combat protracted 
longer than was necessary to vindicate his fame, struck 
to a British frigate and sloop of war, whose united force 
was much superior. The American sloop Peacock cap- 
tured the Epervier of equal force. The sloop Wasp, 
commanded by captain Blakely, captured the Reindeer, 
and afterwards, in the same cruise, sunk the Avon, eacA 
of superior force. She made several other prizes ; but 
never returned into port. Darkness rests upon her fate* 
She probably foundered at sea. The republic, with deep 
and sincere grief, mourned the loss of her gallant crew. 

21. The poople uf the middle and southern states, an- 



1814.J ADMINISTRATION. 277 

ticipating a great augmentation of the enemy's force, and 
uncertain where the blow would fall, made exertions to 
place every exposed position in a posture of defence. 
The citizens of New- Y ork displayed extraordinary activity 
and zeal. Philadelphia and Baltimore were supposed to 
be in less danger, but additions were made to their fortifi- 
cations. For the protection of Washington, a military 
district, embracing Maryland, Columbia, and a part of 
Virginia, was established, and the command of it given to 
general Winder, of Baltimore. One thousand regular 
troops were placed at his disposal, and he was authorized 
to call to his aid 15,000 militia. 

22. In the beginning of August, the expected reinforce- 
ments, consisting of many vessels of war, and a large 
number of troops, arrived in the Chesapeake from Europe. 
Of this force several frigates and bomb vessels were ordered 
to ascend the Potomac ; another division, under Sir Peter 
Parker, was directed to threaten Baltimore ; thejmain body 
ascended the Patuxeut as far as Benedict, where, on the 
19th of August, five thousand men, commanded by general 
Ross, were landed. 

23. In the mean time, general Winder had called on the 
militia to repair to his standard. They were exceedingly 
remiss in obeying the call. On the 22d, not more than 
two thousand had assembled. At the head of these, and 
of one thousand regulars, he took a position not far from 
the enemy, intending to prevent their progress into the 
country. 

24. A particular account of the subsequent events will 
not be attempted. General Ross, marching through a 
scattered population, advanced towards Wasliington. The 
Americans retired before him. A stand was made near 
Bladensburgh. The militia fled on the approach of danger ; 
but a body of seamen and marines, commanded by com- 
modore jiarney, not only maintained their ground, but 
compelled the enemy to give way. They rallied, however, 
immediately ; outflanked the heroic band, put it to flight, 
and hastened forwaid. 

25. The retreating forces were ordered to assemble on 
the heights near the cajjitoi ; an<l their they were joined 
by a body of Vit-ginia militia. But general Winder, con- 
sidering his force too weak to oppose effectual resistance, 
retreated to the heights of Georgetown. Washington, thus 
left defenceless, was deserted by most of the citizens. 

26. On ihtj 24th, at eight o'clock in the eveiuag, the 



SffS MADISON'S [1814. 

enemy entered the city, and at nine, the capitol, president's 
house, and many other buildings, were set on fire. Valu- 
.T'ble libraries, works of taste, and eh^gant specimens of 
the fine arts, were consigned to destruction. On the 
evening of the next day, the enemy left the city, and re- 
turned unmolested to Benedict ; where, on the 30tli, they 
embarked on board the transports. Their loss, during the 
incursion, including deserters, and such as died from iatigue 
on the march, exceeded eight hundred. 

27. The capture of Washington reflected disgrace upon 
those by whom it ought to have been defended. The des- 
truction of the national edifices attached a still darker 
stigma to the character of the enemy. The whole civiliz^ed 
world exclaimed against the act as a violation of the rules 
of modern warfare. The capitals of most of the European 
kingdoms had lately been in the power of an enemy ; but 
in no instance had the conqueror been guilty of similar 
conduct. An indignant spirit pervaded the republic. The 
friends of the government were not only increased in 
number, but felt an additional motive to exert all their 
faculties to overcome the enemy of their country. 

28. The squadron which, at the same time, ascended 
the Potomac, met with even less resistance than that 
which ascended the Patuxent. As soon as it arrived at 
Alexandria, the citizens proposed a capitulation ; and the 
terms were speedily adjusted with the British commander. 
To purchase safety, they delivered' up all their shipping; 
all the merchandize in the city, and all the naval and ord- 
nance stores public and private. With a fleet of prizes, 
loaded with a rich booty, the enemy returned immediately 
to the ocean. 

29. The success of the attack on W^ashington encouraged 
general Ross to undertake an expedition against Baltimore. 
On the 12th of September, he landed 5000 men on North 
Point, about fourteen miles from the city, to which he 
directed his march. Preparations for defence had already 
been made. The whole of the militia had been called 
into the field ; the aged and the rich had voluntarily 
entered the ranks ; and assistance had been obtained from 
Pennsylvania and Virginia. 

30. General Smith, wlio commanded the American 
forces, detached general Striker, with three thousand men, 
to retard the progress of the enemy. The advanced parties 
met about eight miles from the city. In the skirmish 
whi'jli en-iucd gi.ncni] Ross was killed. The invaders. 



1S14.] ADMINISTRATION. S79 

however, under the command of colonel Brooke, continued 
to advance, and soon met and attacked the detachment 
tnider Striker. One of the militia regiments gave way. 
This c()mnuinieated a panic to tlie others, and the general 
fell hack to the heights, where, behind breastworks hastily 
erected, the main body of the Americans awaited an attack 

31. After landing the troops at North Point, the British 
fleet had sailed up the Petapsco and bombarded Fort 
McfTenry and Fort Tovington, which stand at the entrance 
into the harbor. The former was commanded by major 
Armistoad, the latter by lieutenant Newcomb, of the navy. 
Both were gallantly defended, the fleet was repulsed, and 
ih©. commander of the troops, finding that the naval force 
could afford no farther assistance, retreated, on the 14th, 
to North Point, and the next day re-embarked. Soon 
after, the fleet left Chesapeake bay, and part proceeded 
southward to convey the troops to the theatre of future 
operations and of unprecedented slaughter. 

3-2. In the New-England states, a majority of the people 
were, from the first, opposed to the war; and as it restrained 
them from their most profitable pursuits ; commerce and 
the fi.shieries, their dissatisfaction continued to increase. 
'I'hey complained that their peculiar interests were disre- 
ganh^d, and that the government, employing elsewhere the 
resources drawn from New-England, did not afford them 
that protection to which, as a part of the nation, they were 
entitled. The most zealous therefore recommended that, 
not only the militia but the revenue should be retained at 
home and employed for their own defence and protection. 

33. The general court of Massachusetts proposed that 
a convention of delegates, from the New-England states, 
should assemble at Hartford to devise means to obtain 
redress of their grievances. To tliis proposition Con- 
necticut atul Rhode Island acceded. In December the 
convention met, consisting of delegates from those states, 
appointed by tlu^ir legislatures; of two from New-Hamp- 
sliire, and (Uie from Vermont, ajipointrd at county meetings. 
Their sittings were secret. Upon their adjournment, they 
published an address to the people, in which, in bold and 
forcible language, they enumerated the measures of the 
national government, supposed to be particularly detri- 
mental to the interests of New-England, and of the com- 
mercial class of the nation, and propi)stH! such amt'ndmeuts 
to the constitution as would prevent, in luture, the adoption 
of similar measures. 



280 MADISON'S [1814 

34. In the fall, information was received tliat the Ame- 
rican and British commis:>ioners had met and held con- 
ferences at Ghent. Great Britain, rendered arrogant by 
lier recent triumphs in Europe, by the capture of Wash- 
ington, and by the boldness of the opposition, demanded 
terms which extinguished the hope of a speedy reconcili- 
ation. Congress shrunk not from the duty which the 
crisis imposed. Although the expenditures of the nation 
greatly exceeded the income ; although its finances were 
m disorder, and its credit was impaired, yet the national 
legislature, with undaunted firmness, entered upon the task 
of furnishing the means to prosecute the war with increased 
vigor. The taxes were augmented, and new loans were 
authorized. The duties of secretary at war, from which 
post general Armstrong was removed, were assigned to Mr. 
Monroe, the secretary of state, and Mr. Dallas of Penn- 
sylvania, was appointed secretary of the treasury. 

35. The repose of general Jacksen, and of the troops 
whom he commanded, was interrupted by the arrival at 
Pensacola, in August, of three British ships of war, bring- 
ing three hundred soldiers, and arms and ammunition to 
be distributed among the Indiana of Florida. The troops 
were permitted, by the Spaniards, to take possession of 
the fort, and the commander issued a proclamation, indi- 
cating an intention of carrying on war against the adjacent 
parts of the republic. 

36. General Jackson, with characteristic promptness, 
took instant and efficient measures for calling to his aid 
the patriotic militia, who had before been victorious under 
his banners. And having remonstrated in vain with tho 
governor of Pensacola, for affording shelter and protection 
to the enemies of the United States, he, near the end of 
October, at the head of a body of regulars and two thousand 
mounted volunteers, marched against that place. A flag, 
sent to demand redress, was fired on from the batteries. 
He immediately marched into the city, stormed the fort, 
obtained entire possession, and compelled the British to 
evacuate Florida. 

37. Returning to his head-quarters at Mobile, he there 
received intelligence that a powerful expedition was on 
the wajr to attack New-Orleans. Without delay, he 
marched with his troops, to that city. He found it in a 
state of confusion and alarm. The mili-tia, composed of 
men of all nations, was imperfectly organized. Many, 
feeling no attachment to the republic, had refused to enter 



1814.] ADiMINlSTRATION, fiSl 

the ranks. No fortifications existed on the varions routes 
by which the place coukl be^approached ; and tears were 
entertained that the reinforcements of militia, which were 
expected from Kentucky and Tennessee, could not arrive 
in time to take part in the contest. 

08. Undismayed by the difficulties which surrounded 
him, general .lackson adopted the most decided and efficient 
means for the safety of this rich and important city. He 
visited in person every exposed point, and designated the 
positions to be fortified. He mingled with the citizens 
and infused into the greater part his own spirit and energy. 
By his presence and exhortations, they were animated to 
exertions of which before they were not supposed to be 
capable. All who could wield a spade, or carry a musket, 
were put to work upon the fortifications, or trained in the 
art oi' defending them. 

39. The Mississippi, upon the east bank of which New- 
Orleans stands, flows to the ocean in several channels. 
One, leaving the main stream above the city, runs east of 
It and forms, in its course. Lake Ponchartrain and Lake 
Borgne. Early in December, the enemy entered this 
channel. Their whole force amounted to about 8000 men, 
a part of whom had just left the shores of the Chesapeake, 
and the remainder had arrived directly trom England. A 
small squadron of gunboats under lieutenant Jones, was 
despatched to oppose their passage into the lake. These 
were met by a superior force, and after a spirited conflict, 
in which the killed and wounded of the enemy exceeded 
the whole number of the Americans, they were compelled 
to surrender. ' 

40. This disaster required tlie adoption, in the city, of 
more vigorous measures. Disaffection growing bolder, 
martial law was proclaimed ; the authority of the civil 
magistrate was suspended ; and arbitrary power was as- 
sumed and exercised by the commander-in-chief. May 
no emergency hereafter occur, in wihich a military officer 
shall consider himself authorized to cite, as a precedent, 
this violation of the constitution. 

4L On the 21st of December, four thousand militia 
arrived from Tennessee. On the 22d, the enemy, having 
previously, landed, took a position near the main channel 
of the river, about eight miles below the city. In the 
evening of the 23d, general Jackson made a sudden and 
furious attack upon their camp. They were thrown into 
^disorder; but they soon rallied and fought with bravery 

Y 2 



282 MADISON'S [1815. 

equal to that of tlte assailants. Satisfied with the advan- 
tage first gained, he withdrew his troops, fortified a strong 
position four miles belotv New-Orleans, and supported it 
by batteries erected on the west bank of the river. 

42. On the 28th of December, and first of January, 
vigorous but unsuccessful attacks were made upon these 
fortifications by the enemy. In the mean time, both 
armies had received reinforcements ; and general Packen- 
ham, the British commander, resolved to exert all his 
strength in a combined attack upon the Ameri^jar positions 
on both sides of the river. With almost incredible indus- 
try, he caused a canal, leading from a creek emptying into 
Lake Borgne to the main channel of the Mississippi, to 
be dug, that he might remove a part of his boats and ar- 
tillery to the latter. All things being prepared, the 8th 
of January was assigned for the assault. 

43. In the night, a regiment was transported across the 
river, to storm the works on the western bank, and turn 
the guns on the American troops on the eastern. Early 
in the morning, the main body of the enemy, consisting of 
seven or eight thousand men, marched from their camp to 
the assault. While approaching, fearless and undaunted, 
showers of grape-shot thinned their ranks. When they 
came within musket-shot a vivid stream of fire burst from 
the American lines. General Jackson having placed his 
troops in two ranks, those in the rear loaded for those in 
front, enabling them to fire with scarcely a moment's 
intermission. The militia of the west, trained from 
infancy to the use of the rifle, seldom took unsteady or 
uncertain sim. The plain was soon covered with dead 
and wounded. Some British regiments faltered and fell 
back ; but others advanced and presented new victims. 
While bravely leading to the walls the regiment which 
bore the ladders, geneial Packenham was killed. In 
attempting to restore order and to rally the fugitives, 
general Gibbs, the second in command, was wounded 
mortally, and general Keene severely. Without officers 
to direct them, the troops first halted, then fell back, and 
soon fled in disorder to their camp. In little more than 
an hour, two thousand of the enemy were laid prostrate 
upon the field ; while of the Americans but seven were 
killed and six wounded — a disproportion of loss without a 
parallel in the annals of warfare. 

44. The events of the day, on thft vreU side of the 
river prerenl a striking instance of the uncertainty of 



warlike operations. There the Americans were thrice the 
number of the assailants, and were protected by intrencli- 
ments ; but they inglorioiisly fled. Tliey were closely | 
pursued, until the British party, receiving intelligence of ' 
the defeat of the main army, withdrew from pursuit and 
recrosged the river. They then returned and resumed 
possession of their intrenchments. 

45. General Lambert, upon whom the command of the 
British army had devolved, havnig lost all hope of success, A 
prepared to return to his shii)ping. In his retueat he was «^ 
not molested : general Jackson wisely resolving t© hazard 
nothing that he had gained, in attempting to gain still more. 

46. In the midst of the rejoicings for this signal victory, 
a special messenger arrived from Europe, with a treaty of 
peace, which, in December, had been concluded at Ghent. 
The British government had receded from all their de- 
mands ; and as the orders in council had been repealed, 
and all motive for the impressment of seaman had ceased 
with the war in Europe, no stipulation, in relation to these 
subjects, was inserted in the treaty, which provided merely 
for the restoration of peace and the revision of boundaries. 
The treaty was immediately ratified by the president and 
senate. 

47. The war, however, did not cease on the ocean, until 
two additional victories had imparted a brighter lustre to 
the republican flag. In February, the Constitution, then 
cruising under the command of captain Stewart, captured 
the Cyane and Levant, v/hose forces united were superior 
to hers ; and in March, tlie sloop Hornet captured the 
brig Penguin, stronger in guns and men than the yictor. 



APPEXBIX. 



THE English colonirs of North Arncricn wore setil^iJ under 
the mof^t favorable aiispicoK. Thp mind of m;m fiad just burst 
from thraldom, and begun to do-lisht in the free and vigorous 
exercise of its powers. Kelisrion und ffovernnient had become 
tliemes of animated discussion. The ijeo[)le had Itoldly tjues- 
tioned tlie divine right of tlu-ir rulers to control their actions, 
and of their priesla to prescribe- to thcui articles of faith. Theyj 
had as.snme(l a higher ranl?^ and lk)ld(n' a Ititude ; ami, conscious of 
their OAvn power, nad begun to feel lessdr'ix'ndencp upon others. 

2. From that country, where the advnucen:ient of knowledge 
had been greatest, came those who )ieoj)led this western wilder- 
ness. They belonged principally to a class, so high as to have 
participated largely in the adva titagcs wluch knowledge imparts, 
and yet not so high tus to be above the power of the oppressor. 
The persecutions they had endured rendered the principles of 
civil and religious liberty more dear to their hearts ; and led 
to inquiries and reflections, which Ji'ced a conviction of their 
truth more finnly in their understandings. 

3. No occasion could be more fortunate, no merj could b« 
better fitted, to lay the foundation of a superstructure entirely 
new. Their knowledge enabled them to discern the good anti 
the evil of the political institutions, which had existed in the 
world ; and their feelings, chastened by their sufferings, or ele- 
vated by their favorable view of human nature, led them to 
reject those provisions, which sacrificed the happiness of many 
to the splendor of a few ; and to adopt such only as gave equal 
rights and privileges to all. 

4. In every nation of Europe, ecclesiasti 3al establishments 
existed, almost co-ordinate with the civil ai i thority. The offi- 
cers of these establishments were numerous, ind their privileges 
extensive. For their support, in early times, a tenth part of 
the income of the laity was appropriated. Possesseing wealth, 
and rank,' and learning, their influence was great, and was 
constantly exerted to acquire and preserve dominion over the 
minds and consciences of men. Their success was equal to 
the means which they employed. They continued to add to 
their wealth and power, until, corrupted by luxury and idle» 
ness, they forgot their duties to God and to man; and en- 
cumbered society with a useless and oppressive weight, 

5. No part of these establishments have been transferred 
to America. The first settlers of most of the colonies were 
too proud of their attainments, in spiritual knowledge, to sub- 
7nit to dictation in matters of faith ; and too independent in 
feeling to acknowledge a superior on earth. Here man re- 
sumed his natural and dignified station ; and the ministers oi 
the gospel, maintaining an apostolical simplicity of character 
aad manners, have seldom sought to obtain, and pasBe«)i not 



APPENDIX. 285 

the m^ns of obtaining, any {rreater influence than that which 
superior virtue and piety confer. 

6. The doctrine of hereditary right prevailed also throughout 
Europe. By the fundamental regulations of nearly everyltmg- 
doni, the monarch and nobles transmitted to their eldest sons, / 
even though destitute of talents and virtue, their authority, [ 
privileges, and rank. The people often saw on the throne men, I 
who were guilty of the most atrocious wickedness, and whose \ 
conduct involved communities and nations in misery; but no 
attempt could be made to remove or punish them without incur- 
ring the penalty of rebellion. They saw also, in other exalted 
stations, men equally wicked and equally beyond their control. 

7. The law of prnno"-eniture existed as a part of the here- 
ditary system. 1 he eldest son inhrrited, not the title only, but 
also all the lands of the father. By this unjust and unnatural 
law, the younger sonf5 and the daughters were doomed to com- 
parative poverty. One portion of the people was made rich and 
another poor. Few were placed in that happy mediiun between 
wealth and poverty, which is most favorable to virtue, to hap- 
piness, and to the improvement of the human faculties. 

8. The principle, that power could be inherited, was at once 
rejtH'tod by the first emigrants to America. They had witnessed, 
in Europe, th^ pernicious operation of this principle; they 
were convinced of its absurdity ; and even had not such been 
the case, that ecpiality of rank and condition, which existed 
among them, would have prevented any one from claiming such 
a privilege for his family, and all others from submitting to it. 

9. The law of primogeniture fell of course into disuse, or was 
abohshed. That equality of rigliis and of rank, which prevailed 
at first, has continued to prevail ; ai^id though, in some of the 
colonies, the extravagant grants of land, wlTich were made by 
capricious governors to their favorites, introduced great ine- 
fjuality of fortune, yet the salutary operation of various laws; 
is continually diminishing this inequality, dividing and dis- 
tributing among many that wealth, which, when in the hand* 
of a few, is less beneficial to the public, and productive of less^_ 
iudividual enjoyment. ^ /' 

10. The systems of government estabhshed in the colomcs 
were also departures from European precedents, and were in 
perfect harmony v>'ith their social institutions. Most of the 
provisions of the early charters were doubtless suggested by 
tlie first emigrants, and of course accorded with their liberal 
political principles. The kings, who granted them, conceded 
many privileges to encourage the settlement of colonies in 
America, entertaining no su^;picicn that their successors would 
ever have occasion to regret their concessions. These char- 
ters made but little distinction in the rights and privileges o{ 
the colonists. Every man could regard those around liim ai 
his equals. The state of individual dependence behig hardly 
known, all sense of de|iei)dence on the mother country was 
gniduaily lost ; and the transition from a colonial to an' ii^do- 
pcndeut condilicn was Uiiturai uad una\ uidubi«i. 



2S8 APPENDIX. 

II. In nothinj^ is the contrnst betwocn the two systems of 
government greater than in the requisitions, which they make 
of the people, for their support and defence. That of Great 
Britam may be taken as a favorable example of the European 
governments. The people of that kinpdom pav, annually, for tho 
support of their sovereign and his rclativchi, iiearlv two and a 
half millions of dollars, while the compensation of Oio president 
of the United States is but twenty-five thousn nd. In the salaries 
of the subordinate officers of governiheiit, the (lisproportion is 
not so great, but is generally, nevertheless, as four or five to one. 

I'i. The military peace establishment of Great Britain costs 
annually thirty-four millions of dollars ; that of the United 
States but little more than five millions. The naval estab- 
lishment of the former costs twenty-two millicns ; that of the 
latter less than two and a half millions. British subjects pay 
in taxes, raised exclusively for national purposes, at the rate 
of fifteen dollars yearly for each individual ; the citizens of the 
United States nay, in national and state taxes, at the rate of but 
two dollars. And as the whole population of Great Britain arKi 
Ireland is included in the estimate, the individual wealth of the 
.subjects of the united kingdom, and of the citizens of the Ame- 
rican republic, m.ay, on an average, be cnnsidellpd nearly equal. 

13. With burdens thus light, not embarrassed *y too much 
regulation, nor restricted by monopolies, but left at liberty to 
pursue their own interests, as individual judgment may dictate, 
the citizens of the republic have boldly embarked in all the 
ordinary pursuits of man ; and in all have met with a degree 
of success, which exhibits a favorable and forcible conmientary 
upon their free institutions, and proves that no other people 
surpass them in activity or enterprise. 

14. In the pursuits of AGRiCTLTt'nK, by far the greatest 
portion of the mhabitants are engaged ; and for that employ- 
ment the country is most favoral)ly situated. It embraces 
every desirable variety of climate. The soil is generally good ; 
in many parts of the union, it is exeeeditigly fertile ; and it 
produces, or may be made to produce, almost every vegetable, 
wliich can be used as the food of man, or as the material ot 
manufactvires. The northern states produce Indian corn, rye, 
wheat, f!ax, hemp, oats, potn toes ; nnd their pastures feed and 
fatten large numbers or cattle and slieep. The middle and 
v/estern states produce tobacco, niid the snme articles as the 
northern, but wlieat in much greater aiauidance. In the south- 
ern states, cotton is principally cuitivated, bat considerable 
-(quantities of rice ajid sugar are produced. 

15. In 1820, the number of persons engnged in agriculture 
was 2,070,646. The value of all its ]iro(lucts exported during 
the year ending the 3(»th of September, 1S53, was 37,646,000 
dollar?:. The nrinciple articles were, cotton to the value of 
2<).44/.,000 dollars; flour to the value of 4,962,000 dollars ; 
tobacco to the value of 4,852,000 dollars ; and rice to the value 
of 1,821,000 dollars. The vHJue of |mnision>* of all kind* 
ft'^purted was 13,460,000 dollars, and it has, iu iiumy veajsi. 



APPENDIX. 28t 

hren prratrr. A poople ahlo tr) spare such an amount of tht 
ii(vrspari(>s ot'lifo can nover l>e in danger of sufl'oring from want. 

10. 'JMio agricultural class is conspicuous for industry, morali- 
tv,anLl genera! intelligence ; luithasless professional knowledge 
llian the same class in Europe. Laud having hitherto been 
cheap, and not «!.\hau^.ted hy cultivation, agriculturalists have 
not been i-ager, auil it iias not been necessary, to make practical 
application of the discoveries of science. A cliange in these 
rcsj)ects having taken place, especially in the Atlantic states, 
many now studv their profession as a science ; dnd, as all pro- 
fessions are estimated according to the skill and inteiUgence 
retpiired to attain euunence in them, they are raising their 
own nearer to that rank in .society, to wliich the utihty and 
importance of agriculture entitle it. More taste and neatness 
are tlisplayed, and the appearance of the country is visibly and 
rapitUy improving. 

17. The coM.AJRRCE of the United States has yielded a rich 
harvest of wealth. Various circumstances have directed to 
this pursuit the attention of a large portion of the population, 
and have r.(>ntributpd to their prosperity in it. For two thou- 
sand miles, the repul)lic bounds upon the sea, and in that 
space has many excellent harbors. The finest timber for ship 
building is abundanl, and easily ])rocured. Near the shores 
oi' the nortiicrii slates, and on tlic adjacent banks of New- 
foundland, are fishing stations, unsurpassed by any in the 
world. Fishing is conseipiently a lucrative employment, in 
])ro])ortion to llie capital invested, and attracts to it a large 
number of the naliv(>s of those states. These become accus- 
tomed to a seataring life, and soon pass into larger vessels, 
destined lor more distant and perilous voyages. 

IS. The state of the woriil, for several years subsequent to 
the commence.T.f^nt ol' the French revolution, offered great en- 
couragement to tie commercial enterprise of the country. While 
almost every otlu^r power was engaged in war, the United States 
were neutral ; their vessels navigated the ocean in safety, and 
wore employed to carry, from port to port, the commodity's of 
the belligerant nations. In fifteen years, beginning with 1 793, 
these favorable circumstances increased the amount of Ameri- 
can tonnage from 491,000 to 1,242,000 tons, and the revenue 
arising tnMii commerce, from 4,399,000 to 16,363,000 dollars. 

19. In U'<20, the number of persons engaged in coimnerce 
was 72,493. In 18^i3, the whole amount of exports was 
74,799,000 dollars ; the amount of imports was 77,579,000 
dollars, the ballance, in favor of the United States, being about 
three millions of dollars. As the imports, however, are always 
undervalued at the custom-house, the additional wealth, which, 
in that year, accrued to the nation from commerce, was un- 
doubtedly greater. 

20. In other years, the commerce of the country has flour- 
jslied more. In 1J<07, the exports amounted to 108,343,000 
doll.Lir^, and the import-^ to I38,r)74,000 dollars. The principal 
cause;^ of the decline whifh has taken place, have been, the 



S88 APPEIS'DIX. 

restoration of peace m Europe, and the increase of the pro- 
duct of domestic manufactures. The former has jiennitteu all 
other nations to become our competitors ; the latter has ren- 
dered it unnecessary to resort to Europe for most of the con- 
\eniencies and many of the luxuries of life. The depression 
will not lon^ continue. The independence of the South Ame- 
rican republics has opened a wide neld for the enterprise of our 
merchants, and given a brighter hue to their future prospects. 

21. The COD FISHERY on the north-eastern coast of America 
attracted, at an early period, the attention of the world. In 
l.'iSS, Sir Humphrey Gilbert found thirty-six vessels fishing in 
the harbor of St. John, in Newfoundland. They ■were prin- 
cipallv from Biscay, in Spain, and Britany in France, and, for 
many years, the French retained almost a monopoly of this 
source of wealth. In 1744, they employed, in this fishery, 414 
large ships, navigated by about 24,000 seamen, and tlie quan- 
tity offish taken amounted to 1,149,000 quintals. 

22. The war of 1756, expelling the French from the conti- 
nent, transferred the privileges which they bar* enjoyed to Great 
Britain. The English colonies, from their vicinity, participated 
largely in them. In the year 1760, six hundred and sixty ves- 
sels, navigated by 4,400 seamen, were fitted out from the ports 
of New-England. During the rcv'olutionary war, the Ameri- 
cans vv^cre compelled to relinquish this profitable pursuit ; and 
it required ail the firmness and address of the negotiators of 
the peace of 1783, to secure to these states those advantages 
which nature seems to have intended for them, and which 
they had enjoyed as a component part of the British empire. 
They were at length, however, notwithstanding the covert 
opposition of France, conceded by the mother country. 

23. From that period, till 1807, the number of vessels and 
men employed in tliis pursuit continued to increase. An esti- 
mate has been made that, from 1790 to 181'^, twelve hundred 
vessels of all kinds, navigated by 10,500 men and boys, were, 
on an average, yearly employed in the Bank, Bnv, and T.abra- 
dor fisheries; 1,150,000 quintals of fish were caught and cured ; 
and 37,000 barrels of oil were made. The annual value of 
the product of these fisheries could not have been less than 
three and a half millions of dollars. They were interrupted 
by the last war with Great Britain, and have not since re- 
clined their former activity. As nurseries of seamen, they 
are important to the nation; and as such have received the 
particular attention and encouragement of government. A 
nounty, which has, in some years, amounted to 200,000 dol- 
lars, is paid to the owners and crews of the vessels employed. 

24. The WHALE fishery of the United States ought not to 
be passed over unnoticed. Its successful prosecution requires 
unconjnion hardihood and skill. As early as 1690, the inhab- 
itants of Nantucket engaged in this pursuit, and were soon 
after jnine*! by their brethren of the town New-Bedford. In 
a few years thi;se monsters of the deep were driven from the 
American coasts ; but were pursued with ardar into seas the 



APPENDIX. 2S9 

most rcmotp. Tn 1715, t^vo hundred and twpnty-rijrht tons; 
in 1771, twenty-fieven thousand tons; in 1815 forty-two 
thousand ton.« of sliipping were employed in this business. 
The prod art of this Jisliery, cxporLed in 1807, consisting of 
connnoii and spenuuci'ti oil ;iiid vvliulc-bone, was valued at 
606,000 dolltirs; in 1823, at 653.000 dollars. 

25. Ai! (wtriict from the sppocii of Mr. Burke delivered in 
the Britisli narliimifnt, in 1775, presents, in eloquent langustre, 
a correct idea of the importance of this fishery, and of the 
cnterpriso and dexterity of those engaged in it. " As to the 
wealth whicli the colonies have drawn from the sea by their 
lisheri(>s, you had all that matter fully opened at your bar. You 
surely thought those acquisitions of value ; for they seemed 
even to excite your envy ; and yet the spirit by which that 
enterprising enijiloyniejit has been exercised, ought rather, in 
my op'iuion, to luive raised your esteem and admiration 

2(i. "And i^ray, sir, what in the world is equal to it] Pass 
by tlie other oarts, and look at the manner in which the peo- 
ple of rVew-hngland have of late carried on the whale fishery^ 
While we iollow them among the tumbling mountains of ice, 
and behold tiu-m penetrating iiito the deepest frozen recesses 
oi Hudson's l>ay and Davis's straits; whilst we are looking 
for them beiu-atli the arctic c;ircle, we hear that they have 
pierced into the opposite region of polar cold; that they are 
at the Antipodes, and engaged under the frozen serpent of the 
south. Falkhmd Island, which seemed too remote and romantic 
an object for the grasp of national ambition, is but a stage 
and resting place in the progress of their victorious industry. 

27. " Nor is the equinoctial heat more discouraging to them 
than the accunmlated winter of both poles. We know that, 
while some of them draw the line and strike the harpoon on the 
coasts of Africa, others run the longitude and pursue the gigan- 
tic game nlon^ the coast of Brazil. No sea but what is vexed 
by their fisheries. No climate that is not witness to their toils. 
Neither the perseverance of Holland, nor the activity of France, 
nor the dexterous atid tirm sagacity of English enterprise, ever 
carried this most perilous Tnode of hardy industry to the extent 
to whicli it has been pushed by this recent people ; a people 
who are still, as it were, but in the gristle and not yet hardened 
into the bone of manhood. 

28. "When I contem|)late these things ; when I know that 
the colonies owe little or nothing to any care of ours, and that 
they are not S(iuee7.ed into this happy form by the constraints 
of watchful and suspicious government, but that, through a 
wise and salutary neglect, a generous nature has been suffered 
to take its own way to |>erfection ; when 1 refiect upon these 
efiects, when I see how profitable they hrive been to us, I feel 
all the pride of power sinK, and all presnmption in the wisdom 
of human contrivances melt and die away within me. My 
rigor relents. I pardon something ir» the spirit of liberty." 

2'«. MAN'rrvcTUP.ics. While tb.f United States were colo- 
nies, the mother c\)uutry endeavo^'dd to prevent the mhabttanf** 

Z. 



290 APPENDIX. 

from manufacturing any article "whatevor, even for their own 
use. The erection of slitting-niills was prohibited, and hatters 
were forbidden to take any apprentice for less than seven years, 
or to employ more than two at a time. In addition to these and 
other legislative enactments, the wages of labor were high, 
and, neither skill nor surpluis capital existed in the country. But 
little attention was of course given to manufactures, and the 
inhabitants received their supplies from the artizans of England. 

30. Some atte^npts were however made, a few years previous 
to the commencement of the revolutionary war, to introduce 
manufactures. Such was in part the intention of the non- 
importation agreements ; and some of the colonial legislatures, 
to encourage the production of wool, and the manufacture of 
cloths, exempted sheep from taxation. But, at no time, pre- 
vious to the adoption of the constitution, did manufacturers 
exist in the country in sufficient number to be considered a 
class of the population. 

31. And indeed it was not until the imposition of the em- 
bargo, in 1807, t'lat any considerable impulse was given to 
this branch of industry. Prevented by this interruption of 
'jommerce, from ex^changing their x>roducts for foreign articles, 
the inhabitants then attejn))ted to fabricate them for them- 
6elves; From the want of expenence and skill, many of the 
first attempts were unsuccessful ; but in a very short time, 
th^se deficiencies were supplied, and, at the close of the war, 
the amount of the products of manufactures was astonishingly 
great. Forming an estimate from the amount in 1810, which 
was near 170 millions, it could not have been less, for 1814, 
than two hundred millions of dollars. In this amount, how- 
ever, are included the products of household manufactures, 
and of the mechanic arts. 

32. Peace, by atlbrding to foreigners an opportunity of in- 
troducing the goods which had accumulated in their ware- 
houses, checked, for a few years, tlie imi)ulse which the re- 
strictive measures and the war had given. In each of the 
three years following 1815, the value of articles manufactured 
was probably less than in any one of the preceding six vears. 
From the year 1818, the amount has gradually increased, ajid 
in 1821 and 1822, it was probably greater than it had ever 
before been. It will hereafter continue to increase, and the 
navigation of the country will be employed, not so much in 
bringing homo, the manufactures of other nations, as in car- 
rying abroad those of the United States. In this way, domes- 
tic manufacture.^ will repay to commerce the. capital they have 
lately drawn from it. 

33 The states iri which the greatest attention is devoted to 
this branch of industry, are Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Mas- 
sachusetts, New-Hampshire, and Connecticut, The principal 
manufactures are those of cotton and of woollen cloths, of 
iron, and of leather. In 1820, the number of inhabitant!* 
engaged m manufactures was 349,506. 

34 The question, whelhex agriculture, commerce, or man- 



APPENDIX. 291 

ufactures is most productive of national wealtli, ami to which 
the government ought, in preference, to extend its protection 
and encouragement, lias lately been warmly discussed, by the 
poUticians and writers on political ec«nomy, in America, and 
in Europe. Each interest has had its advocates. The deci- 
sion of tne impartial statesm:in would probaHy bo, that neither 
should be encouraged to the neglect of the others ; that if 
either is, in any doL'ree, to be preferred, it is that which is, at 
the time, the most depressed ; or that which supplies most of 
the means of national defence, and most of the necessaries 
and conveniencies of life. 

35. Debt, Revenue, and Expenditures. When, in 1790, 
the public debt was fn:<t funded, it amounted to about 7.5,000,000 
of dollars. In 1803, ])y the purchase of Louisiana, it was 
augmented to about 85,500,000. In the eight years which 
followed, a large amount was paid, leaving due, in 1812, but 
little more than 45,000,000. To defray the expenses of the 
war, which was declared in that year, more than 80,000,000 
of new debt was contracted. A large portion has since been 
paid, and, on the first day of January, 1828, the amount of it 
was 90,805,877 dollars. 

36. The present revenue of the republic is derived princi- 
pally from comsnerce, and from the sale of public lands. In 
1822, there accrued from the former source, the sum of 
20,500,775 dollars; from the latter source, 1,803,581; and 
from other sources, 839,084. The amount, however, which was 
actually received, during the year, was but 20,232,427. 

37. The expenditures, during the same year, were as fol- 
lows : Civil, diplomatic, and miscellaneous, 1,967,996 ; for 
the pay and support of the army, the construction of forts, the 
sujiply of arms, th'' jiaynient of pensions, and the various ex- 
penses of the Indian department, 5,635,188 ; for the {;upport 
and increase of the na-^y, 2,224,458 ; for the payment ot the 
interest, and for the redemption of that portion of the principal 
of the debt which became due within the year, 7,848,949 ; 
amounthig in the whole to 17,676,591, and leaving an excess 
of revenue over expenditurf of 2,555,836 dollars. 

38. Education. In the kingdoms of J^urope, large sums 
have been appropriated, by the government, for the purposes 
of eihication. Nearly all, hov.'ever, has been expended in 
founding or endowing universities. To these the sons of the 
noble and the rich could alone gain access ; and the intention 
and effect of the expenditure has always been, to produce 
erudite scholars and able orators, and to perpetuate and widen 
the separation betv/een the highcB and the l«wer classes of 
the population. 

39. The people of the United States have had a different 
t)]tject in view, and one more congeni:d with their political in- 
stitutions. Desirous that none should be ignorant, tlieir first 
and jn'incipal earn has been, to impart the advantages of in- 
utruclion to the whole nuiss of the p(i|(ulati(m. With this 
view, the legLskituretj of many of tiic statt^ti have ordauied Uiiat 



29^ APPENDIX. 

schools, for the education of all the youth in reading, writing, 
and arithmetic, shall be kept, and supported by a public and 
general tax. 

40. This system was adopted in Massachusetts as early as 
1647. A law was then passed, by that colony, providing that 
a school should he kept in every township having- fifty house- 
holders, in which all the children, who might resort to it, 
should be taught to read and write. As the number of in- 

' habitants increased, the townships were divided into small 
districts, and a school supported m eacli. Thus, the means 
of education were provided, at the public expense, and the 
opportunity of acquu-ing it placed within the power of all. 

41. Immediately after their lirst settlement, the same system 
was adopted by the other colonies of New-England ; and it 
has, by all of them, been preserved and cherished to the pre- 
sent time. Connecticut, having a large tract of land in Onio, 
which was sold for l,200,000-dollars,"appropriated the whole 
sum to the support of common or primary schbols. The sum 
has since heen augmented to 1,700,000 dollars, and the in- 
terest is annually distributed to the several school districts, 
according to the immber of scholars taught in eacli. No dis- 
trict, however, is entitled to any aid from this fund, unless it 
had, in the preceding year, expended, for the same purpose, a 
certain amount derived from its own resources. 

42. The effect of this system has been, to render the great 
body of the people of these states the most enhghtened in tho 
world. All can read and write, and rarely can one be found 
not quaUfied, by education, to transact the common concerns 
of life. To educate his children, is the lirst object, and the 
chief glory of the parent ; their igr.orance is to him and to 
them disgraceful. In these schools, the human mind receives 
its first hnpulse in the career of learning ; an impulse which 
carriea many forward to high stations of honor and oi usefulness. 

43. The great state of New- York, distinguished for magni- 
ficent projects of internal improvement, and for liberal patron- 
age of literature and the arts, lias lately adopted a system nearly 
similar to that of Cotmecticut. From various sources, it has 
accumulated a fund, the income ot which is to be applied an- 
nually to the suppiirt of common schools. I'his fann, in 1820, 

-| amounted to 1,215,000 dollars. Since that year, all the un- 
^f sold and unappropriated lands, which, when disposed of, will > 
probably produce about one million more, have been perma- 
nently devoted to the same object. The annual interest of 
this fund is distributed, according to population, among the 
several townshif)s, on their raising, for the same purpose, an 
additional sum eqaal to tliat which they receivi; fioin tne state. 
In 1821jthree hunilred and thirty-three thousand children were 
taught, in the several district schools; a number nearly equal 
to that of nil the children in the state between five and fifteen 
years of age. In 1823, the number taught was 400,000. 

44. Virginia has filso a literary fu.nd, the interest of a ]»art 
of wliich is appropriated to the support of couimun Hchuola. 



APPENDIX. 393 

This fund is of recrnt origin, and its income is yet smalL 
The advantages of oducatitm are, however, so highly appreci- 
ated in that state, by its enUghtened citizens, that most of the 
rising generation are instructed in private scliools, or by do- 
mestic teachers. Tlie same remark will apply to most of the 
middle and southern states ; yetj in these, too many of the 
children of the poor will remam m ignorance mitil effectual 
provision is made, by the respective governments, for the in- 
struction of all. 

45. The national government has not been unmindful of the 
importance of universal education. Before the adoption of 
the constitution, it acquired, by the cession of the states claim- 
ing it, the property of nearly all the unappropriated land vvithin 
the national boundaries. In offering this land for sale, it has 
reserved, in every township, one section, comprising 640 acres, 
for the use of schools. As the population of the new states 
becomes more dense, these lancls will constitute a valuable 
and productive fund, and the system of free schools, thus 
planted in the western, will there produce the same benefits 
as in the eastern portion of the union. 

4G. Schools of a higher order, to which the name of acade- 
mies has been applied, are r.umerous in all the states, especially 
in those of New-England. Many are incorporated, and some 
possess considerable funds. That at Exeter, in New-Hanip- 
shire, holds the hiirhest rank ; its funds amount to 80,000 
dollars ; it has a library containing 700 volumes, and a hand- 
some philosophical apparatus. In these schools are taught 
Englisii grammar, conrijosition, history, geograjthy, mathe- 
matics, the Latin and Greek languages. Many young men 
rosort to them to awjuire an education superior to that which 
can be obfaiiied iti tlif^ primary schools, and many to prepare 
themseivps to entpr some collccre or university. They are 
principally taught by those, who have just received a degree 
in the arts, and who are unable, from the v/ant of property, 
to engage immediately in the study of the professions which 
they nuend to pursue. 

47. Of colieiscs and universities there is also a large number 
in the TJnite<l i^tntes. The oldest and first in rank is Harvard 
College, at Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was established in 
163S, only eighteen years after the first settlement of Plymouth. 
It liad then a fund of about 5,000 dollars, near'y two thirds of 
which was a donation from the Rev. John Harvard, of Charle«- 
town. The first degrees were conferred, upon nine young 
gentlemen, in 1642. It has since received rfiany and large 
additions to its funds, principally donations from individuals; 
and, from the exertions of its learned presidents and pvoi'es- 
sors, has, with short intermissions, bs(;n constantly advancing 
in reputation, and increasing in usefulness. The library con- 
tains about t\vcn*^'-five thousand volumes. In 1824, the faculty 
consisted of a presiJeni, and twenty professors ; the number 
of students was '2'i2, and of tiie resident graduates 146. 

48. Yale College was founded in 1 700, and inctirporated in 

Z 2 



Sft-i APPENDIX. 

1701. It was first established at Saybrook ; but, in 1716, 
was removed to New-Haven, in Conne("ticut. Eliliu Yale, a 
merchant in London, liaving made to it a donation of more 
than four thousand dollars, its name was, in 17 18, changed 
from the Collegiate 8chtK>l, to Yale College. Allerwards 
bishop Berkeley, the celebrated metaphysician, who had re» 
sided two years in America, presented tr» it a collection of 
books, consisting of nearly one thousand volumes ; and a farm 
in Newport, the annual rent of which, on a t mg lease, is two 
hundred and forty busJiels of wheat. From the state, and' 
from other sources, it has received many liberal donations. 
Its libraries contain about nine thousand volumes, In 1824, 
the faculty consisted of a pr(,'sident, and eleven professors, and 
the number of its students was 349. 

49. In addition to these, there are, in the union, about fiflv 
colleges and universities authorized to confer degrees. In all 
of these are taught, the English, Latin, and Creek languages, 
rhetoric, mathematics, natural philosophy, logic, chymistry, 
astrenomy, history, and geography. In some of them are also 
taught the Hebrew, oriental, and moderii European languages ; 
anatomy, surgery, medicine, botany, polite literature, divinity, 
ethics, natural and municipal law, politics, and elocution. 

.50. Literature, The remark has often been made, that 
the United States have produced no eminent scholars ; and 
that the national character has not been illustrated by literary 
and scientific performances of distinguished merit. This re-- 
mark is doubtless just. Compared with those of the old world, 
their writers have not exhibited the same labored polish of 
style, nor their men of science the same perseverance and 
extent of investigation. Their historians are not equal to 
Hume or Robertson ; their poets to Milton or Pope ; their 
chymists to Lavoisier or Davy ; nor their metaphysicians to 
Locke, Berkeley, or Reid, 

51. But this fact implies no deficiency of mental vigor in 
the people. The minci of the nation has received, from cir- 
cumstances, a diiferent direction. Those who are endued 
with extraordinary talent, whatever may have been their ori- 
ginal propensities, have been called from the closet to labor in 
the legislative hall, or the cabinet ; to vindicate the cause or 
defend the interest of their country abroad ; to dispense jus- 
tice from the bench, or to support and defend, at the bar, the 
claims and the rights of their fellow citizens, 

52. To perform -these duties, certainly not less honorable 
nor less difficult than any thing which the mere scholar can 
perform, a greater variety ol" talents, and greater intellectual 
labor, have been required in this than in any other country. 
Here, in comparatively a short period, the K)undations have 
been laid, and the superstructures erected, of new political 
institations. Many governments have been established over 
comniunities difienng from each other, and from those of 
Europe ; and over these a paramount government, with ex* 
tPi>*ive and ifliportant power*. For each of these conunuui* 



APPENDIX. 295 

tie*!, a now system of law has been required, and each govern- 
ment has rt separate ex-eeutive, logisf.Uive, and j iidicial depart- 
ment. The population of no country has been called upon to 
supply such a number of legislators, of judges, and of lawyers; 
nor^ it may be added, of uistructors of youth. And, while 
their number accounts for the comparative neglect of literature 
and the tine arts, the talents they have displayed sufficiently 
vindicate the republic from the reproach of intellectual infe- 
riority. 

53. But not in these modes alone have the people of these 
states proved, that in original powers of mind they may assert 
an equahty, at least, with those of any other nation. None 
has made more important discQveries in the useful arts. Eng- 
land boasts of her Arkwright, who invented the spinning 
machine ; of her Worcester, Ncwcomcn, and Watt, by whose 
ingenuity and labors the powers of steam were substituted for 
the uncertain aid of wind and water in moving the machinery 
of manufactories. 

64. America may boast of her Godfrey, whose quadrant 
has been almost as serviceable, as the compass, to navigation ; 
of her Franklin, who has made our dwellings comtortable 
within, and protected them from the lightning of heaven ; of 
her AVhitney, whose cotton gin has added to the annual pro- 
duct of that article at least one hundred millions of pounds ; 
of her Whittemore, the inventor of the wonderful machine for 
making cards ; of her Perkins, the inventor of the nail ma- 
chine ; and of her Fultim, who has rendered the power of 
steam subser%ient to the purpoi-:es of navigation. 

55. But the United States have produced authors who 
would do honor even to any other nation. The style of 
Franklin is perspicuous and pure ; jind few men of any age 
or country have contributed more by their writings, to en- 
lighten and to benefit mankind. The histories of Marshall, 
Ramsay, Belknap, Williams, and the Annals of Holmes, are 
works of sterling merit, interesting, and instructive. Among 
theological writers, Edwards, Hopkins, Dwight, Lathrop, 
Davics, Koliock, and Buckminster, are deservedly eminent. 
And as a novelist, Brown has few equals. 

56. Many of the political writers of this country have dis- 
played great vigor of thought, and force of expression. The 
pamphlets and state papers to which the revolutionary strug^fle 
gave existence ; the numbers of the Federalist ; the official 
letters of Mr. Jefferson, as secretary of state, and of the Ame- 
rican ministers at Ghent, not only display intellectual powers, 
but possess literary mejit, of the highest order. Some of the 
best writers of this republic have not been the authors of 
books. 

57. To the fine arts still less attention has been paid than 
to literature ; but the neglect is to be attributed rather to the 
/deficiency of patronage than to the want of capacity to excel. 
Benjamin West, a native of Pennsylvania, presided for many 
years over the Koyal Society, comprising the most eminenift 



296 APPENDIX. 

painters of Great Britain. In poi;trait-painting, Copley and 
btuart have acquired a liigh reputation ; and in nistorical 
painting, Trumbull and Alston excel. The United States 
claim only the honor of their birth ; England and Italy that 
of patronizing and instructing them. 

58. Religion. The consequences resulting from the en- 
joyment of religious Hberiyhave been highly favorable. Free 
discussion has enlightened the ignorant, disarmed superstition 
of its dreadful powers, and consigned to oblivion many erro- 
neous and fantastic creeds. Religious oppression, and the 
vindictive feelings it arouses, are hardly known. Catholics 
and Protestants live together in harmony ; and protestants 
who disagree, employ, in defending their own doctrines, and 
m assailing those oi their antagonists, the weapons only of 
reason and eloquence. 

59. In the New-England states, the independents or con- 
^egationalists constitute the most numermis denomination ; 
in the m'ddle states, the presbyterians ; and in the southern, 
the methodists. Baptists, episcopalians, and Roman catholics, 
are found in all the states ; but in Maryland and Louisiana, 
the catholics are more numerous than elsewhere. Each of 
these sects has one or more seminaries of learning, in which 
its pecuhar doctrines are taught, and young men are educated 
for the ministry. Many ether sects exist, but reason, less 
tolerant than the laws, is gradually diminishing the number. 

60. Character and Manners. Foreigners have asserted 
that the Americans possess no national character. If at any 

feriod this assertion has been true, it was then no reproach, 
n its youth, a nation can have no established character. 
The inhabitants of this republic, coming from every quarter 
of the world, speaking many different languages, dispersed 
over a vast extent of territory, coukl not immediately assimi- 
hite and exhibit tliose few prominent traits, which nations as 
well as individuals, in their maturity, display. 

61. But the germ of a national character has always existed. 
It has grown with our growth, and is gradually throwing into 
the shade those unfavorable and discordant traits, which have 
disfigured and partly concealed it from view. Who, that has 
read the history ot these states, has not perceived, in the in- 
habitants, an energy of purpose capal>le of surmounting all 
obstacles; a spirit of enterprise, that leaves nothing useful 
unattempted ; a proud sense of personal dignity and indepen- 
dence ; a decided preference of utility before show ; and a 
love of knowledge that has dispelled ignorance from the land ] 
They may have been too much devoted to the pursuit of gain; 
too much addicted to habits of intemperance ; too much in- 
flated with national vanity ; bigoted and superstitious : but 
these traits are now less apparent ; they are constantly melt- 
ing away, and those more noble appearing in bolder relief.^ 

62. They whose wealth or talents place them in the first 
rank in society, are, in their manners, free from awkward- 
ness, formality, haughtiness, and ostentation ; but they do not 



APPENDIX. 297 

diKplay the olegancp or refinement of the same class in Europe, 
The inasK of the i)eo|)le are serious, shrewd, inquisitive, manly, 
ami ceiierally respectful ; hut they know little, and practise 
lesMu, of tlie ceremonies of formal politeness. To foreigners, 
accustomed to the servility of the lower classes in Europe, 
they doubtless appear rough and uncourtly ; and many 
fashionable tourists may have liad their feelings needlessly 
wounded, and their delicacy shocked ; but when respectfully 
treated, they display native politeness, and generosity of sen- 
timent. Time will remove the grosser delects ; but may it 
never, by polishing too deeply, impair that strength of charac- 
ter, which is essential to the permanence of our republican 
institutions. 

63. A review of the rapid progress of the United States in 
population, wealth, and power ; a survey of their present 
phvsical and moral condition ; and a comparison of them, in 
either respect, with other nations, cannot fail to give to an 
American citizen an elevated conception of his own coi^ntry, 
and V) justify the loftiest anticipations of the future. 

ti4. In a period of thirty years, ending with 1820, the 
population of the republic increased from 3,893,835, to 
i),6\'Z,loO ; it consequently doubles in less than twenty-five 
years. In Great Britain the population does not double in 
less than eighty years ; and in that country the increase is 
nearly, if not quite, as rapid as in any other country in Europe. 

H.5. The augmentation of wealth and power cannot he so 
easily ascertained. It is the opinion of many, well qualified 
to judge, that it has been still more rapid; and when the in- 
crease of our exports, which in the same period advanced from 
nineteen to sixty-five millions; when the growth of our cities 
and villages ; the increase of our manufacturing estabUsh- 
ments, of our national and mercantile navy, of our fortifica- 
tions and other means of defence ; the extent of our internal 
improvements ; and, beyond all, the extensive territories re- 
claimed froui a state of nature and made productive and valu- 
able, are adverted to, that opinion will not appear unfounded 
nor extravagant. < 

66. Although now inferior to the principal nations of the 
old world, yet but a short period will elapse before the Unitcii 
States, should their progress hereafter be the same that it has 
been, will overtake and pass them. Their great natural ad- 
vantages will continue to urge them forward. Extensive 
tracts of fertile land yet remain vacant of inhabitants ; the por- 
tions already settled are capable of supporting a much more 
rumierous population ; new roads ana new canals will give 
greater activity to internal conmierce, and open new fields to 
the untiring industry and enterprise of man ; and, a small 
part only being re([uired by the government, nearly the whole 
annual incnnie will be added to tlie general capital, augment- 
ing it in a compound ratio. 

t)7. That theso splendid anticipations are not the sugge»» 



»98 APPENDIX. 

tions of national vanity, the history of the past sufficiently 
proves. Yet their fullihnent depends, in a great degree, upon 
the ftiture conduct of the people themselves ; upon their ad- 
herence to the principles of their fathers ; upon the preserva- 
tion of free political institutions, of industrious, frugal, and 
moral habits ; and, above all, upon the universal diffusion of 
knowledge. 

68. This truth should sink deep in the hearts of the old and 
the young. 'The citizens of this republic should never forget 
the awful responsibilities resting upon them. They constitute 
the oidest nation on this western hemisphere, the first on the 
list of existing republics. They stand forward, the object of 
hatred to some, of admiration to many, of wonder to ail ; and 
an impressive example to the people of every countr)'. To 
them is conmaitted an experiment, successful hitherto, the final 
result of which must have a powerful influence upon the des- 
tiny of mankind ; if favorable and happy, the whole civilized 
world will be free ; if adverse, despotism and darkness will 
again overshadow it. May they ever be sensible of the vast 
importance of their example. May they never betray their 
sacred trust. 



QUESTIONS 

TO 

HALE'S HISTORY OF THE UJVITED STATE*. 



Qs. Pg. 

1 7 Was the continent of America known to the ancienta t 

2 — What was the object ol the voyages of discovery made in the 15tli 

century / 

3 — Who was a distinguishetl navigator of that age ? 

4 — Wlioro was he born ' 

5 — What incidents led him to think that he could reach the East Indioa 

by sailing west ? 

6 8 To wliom tlid he apply for assistance 1 

7 — Who became liis friend and patron ? 

8 — When did he set sail I From what port ? 

9 — What course did lie steer I 

10 — What phenomenon was first obsei^yed during his voyage? 

11 9 How did his crews behave? What did they threaten to do I 

12 — How did he appease them I 
IJ — When was land discovered ? 

14 10 Wliat other islands did he discover and visit? 

15 — How was he received on his return? 

lit. — Who first discovered the continont ? When? 
"Siiy 11 Upon what did the English found th*r claim to the eastern portion 
of Norih America ? 

18 — From whom does the continent derive its name t 

19 — Wiio is supposed to have entered thejiarbor of New- York? 

20 — What induced Coligui to attempt a swilemcnt in America '. 

21 — What was the result? 

22 12 By whom was the second attempt made? Wlien! 'VNTieret 

23 — Was it fortunate ? 

24 13 On wluit occasion was the spirit of adventure revived? 
2.S — Who most encouraged the scheme of colonization ? 

26 14 What com])anies were formed ? 

27 — What territory was granted to each ? 

28 — What privileges were secured to the emigrants I 

29 — When was Quebec settled? By whom? 

CHAPTER I. 

30 15 By what company was Virginia settled? 

31 — How many persons were sent over? 

32 — What distinguished man was among them? 

33 — Relate the principal events of his life. 

34 16 When did the adventurers land? At what place? 

35 — WTto \TOs elected president ? Who was excluded ? 

3d — What was the character of the aboriginal iuhabitanUi? 

37 17 Wliat happened to captain Smith ? 

"S — By whom was he preserved from death T 

39 — \Vhile absent, to what number had the suttlers boen reduced ? 

40 IS How many caxna with N'ewport ? 

41 — Hww did Sumh employ iiiraselt ? 



2 QUE8TI0NS 

Qs. P?. 

42 18 Was hp rho.scii president, T 

43 19 Relate what afterwards occurred? 

44 —1 Whal induced SiiiiLh to return to England ? 

45 — What, was the conseciuence ? 

46 20 Who were successively apjiointed governors ? ^ 

47 — For what purjio.se was Polvahontass taken ? 
.,48 — Wliat is related concerning her? 

^*^'9 21 M'liat was the object of Argal's expedition in 1613; 

50 — What did lie accomplish? 

51 — What instructions were given by king James ? 
5i — When did governor \eardly arrive '! 

53 — What did he do which gave joy lo the people? 

54 22 Tn what state was the colony at this period? 

55 23 Wliat misfortune happened to it ? 

5*5 — How much was tiie number of settlers reduced? 

57 — Did the Virginians depose Harvey ? 

58 — What did king Charles do? 
50 — Who succeeded Harvey ? 

fiO — Whom did the Virginians favor, the king or parliament? 
fil 24 What did the parliament do ? 

62 — What did tiie Virginians do on the death of Matthews ? 

63 — Why were the people disaffected ? 

64 — Who was the leader of the insurgents T 

65 25 Relate the incidents of Mi^e'DoUion. 

66 26 Whal was the conduct o^Bbrkflcy towards tlic rebels I 

67 — What was the populatio^R IfiBb' 

68 — How was the colony govsKted ? 

69 — Wliat course did the reuipeiitatives pursue in relation to ularwy ! 

^^ bUAPTER n 

70 26 To what comjjany wa3pl!assachusetts gi-anted ? 

71 27 \'VTi3n were the first men sent over left? 

72 — 'Sullen and why did th^ return to England ? 

73 — By whom was the cojBof Massachusetts surveyed ? 

74 — In lliat age what wagBfe maxim of all ecclesiastics and jwliticians ? 

75 28 What causes inducOTfe"- Kobinswn's congregation to remove U» 

Holland ? / 

76 — To what company did they apply for a grant of land ' 

77 — To what part were tliey carried? 

78 — What did they do before leaving the ship ? 

79 — Wlien did they land ? 

80 29 How many perished during the winter? 

81 — Wliat was the settlement called ? 

82 — WTiat was the population in 1630? 

83 — What directed the attention of others to New-England! 

84 — WliaT association was formed in 1627 ? 

85 — Of what company did they obtain a grant ? 

86 — WTiere did the people they sent out land ? 

87 — WTiat were the provisions of the cliarter they obtained} 

88 30 Wliat town was next settled^ 

89 — Wlinx was the first object of their attention 1 

90 — What ninnber peiished before spring ? 

01 — At what time was Boston founded? n^ttL 

•n ^1 What distinguished lady fell a Victim ? ^MK 

93 — How many perished before December ? ^^P 

9t - - AVhat way one great object of the puritans? 

95 — What ordinance was pas;!(d in I'uil ? 

90 — Wptp the Tn'-iian'' nurr.-'jriinsi at iMl iinie, in New-EngiandT 

^7 32 Wiiftu wuic rdprerenuuive..' lir.st chuseii ■' 



» QUESTIONS 9 

Qfi. Pg. 

OS 32 Who was banished from Salem 1 For what cause ? 
99 — What distinguished emigrants came in 1635? 

100 — Relate their historj'. 

101 33 Who were detained by king Charles ? 

102 — What was the cause of the first war with the Indians ? 

103 34 With what tribe was it carried onl 

104 — Which party was victorious ] 

105 35 What cati'^e j)ut a Ptop to endgralion T 

100 — In what year did the colonies form a lea^e T 

107 36 What is said concerning the representatives and assistants T 9 

108 — Wliich did New-England favor, the king or parliament I 

109 — What propositions did Cromwell make to the colonies ? 

110 — When was New-IIampsliire incorporated with Massachusetts T 

When was Maine ? 

1 1 1 87 What law was made against Quakers ? 

112 — Wliat diatinguisbed individuals came to New-England about this 

time ? 

113 — ITow wer^ they received ? Where did they reside ? 

114 39 What lavi^ was enacted by England in 1(363? 

115 — What measure was adopted by the king in 1664! 

116 — What was the conduct of the commissioners T 
7 40 IIow many towns and inhabitants did New-England contain at tfca 

end of 50 years from the stttlement of Plymouth 1 .^^^ 

118 ■ — Wliat were the causes of Philip's war.' "^ . 

119 41 ^Vhere were the first acts of hostility committed? 

120 — Did the colonists suflfbr much injury from the savages! 

121 — In what manner was the war carried on ? 

122 42 What was the result of the great battle fought December 18? 

123 — What fpelinas did Philip exhibit ? 

124 — What was his fate? 

125 43 What losses were stistuincd in this war? 

126 — When was New-Hampshire made a separate colony ^ 

127 — For what purpose was Edward Randolph sent over ? 

128 — Wliat was done in relation to the charter ? 

129 44 What was tiie character and conduct of An<?ross? 

130 — How did the people treat Andross and his acherenta* 
.131 45 What was the result of the expedition to Canada? 

132 — How did Massachusetts pay her troops? 

133 - Wliat were the provisions of the new charter? 

134 — Who was the first governor under the new charter ? 

135 — What distinguished the commencement of his administration * 

136 46 What causes produced the delusion ? 

137 — How many charged with witchcraft were executed? 

1 38 47 What law was passed at the first session ? 

139 — A\niat war existed at this period? 

140 — WTicn was Deerfleld attacked ? 

141 — How many were killed sr>d made prisoners ? 

142 4S Who were among the p-;aoners? 

143 — How were they trcateu' 

144 — What was the Indian mode of warfare? 

145 — What expedition was fitted out in 1707'? 

146 — What in 1710? What was accHinipUshed? 

147 — What expedition was fitted out in 1711 ? 

148 49 Wtuifc^fortune occurred to the fleet? 

149 — ^\'Tl^Hp the event of the expedition ? 

150 — Wh^^as peace concluded? 

I'll — What was tlie eUbct of this war upon New-England ? 
ly?. — ^V^m was apjioimed govrrncr ir '716' 
163 50 Wh«t (iuc<nion njritsted lh<" r?on!« when Iw arrlTod? 
104 — WTiiti act ot his duspleased liie asse»ijUly? 
A A 



4 QUESTIONS. 

Qs. Tg. 

155 50 Whftse conduct d!d the people approve ! 

156 — What vote was passed respectfiig the governor's salary I 

157 — What instructions did the king give T 

158 — Did the assembly comply ? 

159 — What steps did the governor take 1 

160 51 Who was the next governor 1 

161 — What took place between him and the assembly! 

162 — How was the controversy suspended ? 

163 52 Who succeeded govenior Burnett? 

164 — How was the long controversy terminated ? 

165 — Who was appointed governor in 1740? 

166 — What event occurred in 1744? 

167 — From what port were privateers fitted out? 

168 — What expedition was concerted in 1745 ? 

169 — By whom was it proposed? 

170 53 Did the General Court in the end agree to it! 

171 — Wliat colonies furnished assistance 7 

172 — What naval force co-operated ? 

173 54 What fortunate events occurred? •» 

174 — What was the result of the expedition 1 

175 55 What measure did France adopt the next summer ! 

176 — At what time was peace concluded ? 

177 — What were the terms of this peace ! 

178 — What became of the bills of credit ? 

CHAPTER ni. 

179 55 Wliich was the parent of the New-England colonies? 

180 — To whom were the first grants made in New-HampShire t 

181 56 When were the first settlements made ^ Where ? 

182 — When was the first house built at I'ortsmouth? 

183 — Of whom did Wlieelright purchase land ? 

184 — What town did he found? 

185 — When was civil government established in Dover, Portsmouttt 

and Exeter ? 

186 — What steps a!d these towns take in 1641 ? 

187 — Of whom did the emigrants purchase lands 

188 — What settlements suffered in Philip's war ? 

189 — Wlien was New-Hampshire made a separate province! 

190 — What aw was passed in 1680 ? 

191 57 What d'sputes arose on the arrival of Mason ! 

192 — Who vas appointed governor after Andross was deposed! 

193 — Did this colony suffer much from Indian ware! 

194 — What town was surprised in 1689 ? 

195 — Give an account of that event. 

196 58 In what year was Londonderry settled? By whom! 

197 -» What did ihey introduce? 

198 51 Why did J. T. Mason claim the lands of his ancestora ! 

199 —'To whom did he convey them ? 

300 — WTiat did they do to silence opposition ? 
201 — How were the Masonian lands granted ! 

CHAPTER IV. 

20? 59 To whom was Connecticut first granted? 

203 — How far westward did the grant extend T 

204 — By whtnn was a fort erected at Hartford ? 

205 — By whom was "^ trading bouse »*rected at Windsor? 
2(fS 60 fly whom was Weathorsfield and Windsor settlfMj? 
207 — FJr what p'.;ri*t>s8 dA Wiuturap co:ae icom E:i.ijland? 



QUESTIONS. S 

Q». Pg. 

208 60 Did the Dutch attempt to molest him ? 

209 — What persons laid the foundation of Hartford? 

210 — Whose authority did the first emigrants acknowledge * 

211 — When did the freemen form a eonstitutionl 

212 — State the substance of this constitution. 

213 61 By whom was Saybrook settled? Whence the name I 

214 — What did Fenwick transfer to the General Court] 

215 — By what ])erson3 was New-Haven founded f 

216 — Was it a distinct colony ? 

217 — By what laws were they first governed? 

218 62 With whom had both colonies disputes? 

219 — How was partition made in 1650? 

220 — Did the Dutch continue friendly? 

221 — What did Connecticut propose to the confederacy? 

222 — What was the conduct of Massachusetts? 

223 63 What did Cromwell do ? 

224 — Did the inhabitants obtain a charter? 

225 — Wliat territory did it comprehend ? 

220 — Did New-Haven willingly consent to a union? 

227 — When were the two colonies united? 

228 64 What circumstances occurrec^ when Andross demanded the ciMitw 

229 — Did Connecticut retain her charter? 

230 65 What demand did Fletcher make of Connecticut ? 

231 — How was he treated? 

232 — When was Yale College foinded? 

233 — When was Saybrook platform adopted ? 

234 — What did this platform relate to ? 

£35 66 What cause tended to preserve the peace Of ConD«cticut I 

CHAPTER V. 

236 66 When was Rhode Island settled? By whom! 
23''' — Why was he banished from Massachusetts ? 

238 — What did he call the place where he settled! 

239 — What regulations did he adopt ? 

240 — Who repaired to Rhode Island in 1638? 

941 67 Did Rhode Island apply to be admitted into the leagtM! 
242 — What was the decision of the commissioners? 
248 — Did Rhode Island consent to the terms? 

244 — When was the first general assembly held ? 

245 — When did the colony obtain a charter? 

246 - • What were the provisions of this charter ? 

247 — What law was passed relative to the quakers? 

248 — What secured the colony exemption from Indian bostilliy 

249 — Wliat was the population in 1730? In 1761 ? 

250 — Whei was Brown university founded? 

CHAPTER VL 

251 68 By whom was New- York discovered ? When ? 

252 — In whU service did Hudson sail? 

353 — By whom and when was a fort erected near Albany, satA ixadlng 
houses at New- York? 

254 — Wliat, was Albany then called? Wliat was New- York? 

255 — Wliat event occurred soon after ? 

256 — When and where was Fort Amsterdam erected ? 

257 — To what (oinpany did the republic of HoUaml make a graot T 

258 — How far did llui grant extend? 

259 — Wli:tt was the terrilorv cnlled? 

atiO — Wliere did the Duttli erect (oris in 1623 ? x- 



6 QUESTIONS. 

Q«. Pg. 

2G1 68 With whom did this produce quarrels ? 

262 — When did war break out between the Dutch and Indiano ? 

263 69 Who commanded the Dutch troops ? 

264 — In what place was a battle Ibu^ht ? 

265 — Who agreed on a liue of partition between the Dutch and English T 

266 — To whom did the kinjr of England grant New- York? 

267 — What measure was thereupon taken ' 

268 — Did the expedition sent out succeed? 

269 — What names were changed ? 

270 — Who assumed the government of the country ? 

271 — When was New- York made a city? 

272 70 What event hai)i)ened in 1673 ? 

273 — How long did the Dutch retain pofrsession ? 

274 — Whom did the duke of York apjjoint governor ? 

275 — To what religious sect did both belong! 

276 — When was the first assembly held '! 

277 — By what people was the interior of New- York inhabited I 

278 — Of whom were they the allies ? 

279 — \Vho led an army against them ? 

280 71 What was he obliged to do ? 

281 — What Indian chief addressed the French governor* 

282 — Recite his speech. 

283 72 What effect had this speech on the French governor? 

2S4 — Why was the duke of York disliked when he became king f 

285 — WTiat encouraged the disaffected ? 

286 73 What measures did Leisler and Milbome undertake? 

287 — What did Bayard and Courtlandt do? 

288 — What authority did Leisler assume? Why? 

289 74 \^Tiat did Milborne effect ? 

290 — What parties were despatched against the English? 

291 — Describe the attack of Schenectady. 

292 75 Wliat was done to avenge these barbarities ? 

293 — To what was the failure of the expedition attributed? 

294 — Whom did king William appoint go\'ernor ? 

295 — What was the character of this governor ? 

296 — What sentence was passed on Leisler and Milbome ? 

297 76 What was their fate ? 

298 — By whom were the French settlements attacked? 

299 — Who was appointed governor in 1692? 

300 — What object was he desirous of effecting? 

301 — What took place in consequence of his recommeudatioB I 

302 77 When was the earl of Bellamont appointed governor? 

303 — In what measure did he engage ? 

304 — Relate the condnct and fate of captain Kid. 

305 — Into what parties were the people divided ? 

306 — When was !ord Combury appointed governor? 
397 — What were his parentage and character? 

308 — In v/hat maimer did he behave? 

309 78 What followed his removal from office ? 

310 — What resolution was passed? 

311 — In what rear did governor Hunter arrive? 

312 — 'What people came with hnn? 

313 — What is the character of their descendants? 

314 — Wliat dispute arose between the house and council t 

315 — What enterprise was projected in 1709? In 17117 

316 79 Wliat was the result of the latter? 

317 — Did the people justify their representatives ? 

318 — State the progress and termination of the dispute between thd 

house and council. 

319 — Who succceeded governor Hunter? 



QUEisTIONS. 
Qfi-Tg. 

320 79 What projects hid the French then in view T 

321 — What did governor Burnet do to defeat it ! 

322 80 When was the assembly, elected in 1716, dissolved 1 

323 — WTiat fort did the French erect wliile Van Dam was governor t 

324 — WTio succeeded Van Dam ? 

325 — W hat prosecution was instigated by governor Cosby ? 

326 — What lienor was conferred on one of his defenders ? 

327 — When was Clark appointed lieutenant-governor ? 

328 81 What dispute was revived between him and the AsBemblyl 

329 — Which party was triumphant at the next election ? 

330 — Recite the address of the house to the governor. 

331 — What did he say in his next speech 1 

332 82 Wliat resolve did the liouse pass 1 

333 — Wliat plot was supposed to be concertc& about this time t 

334 — What was the supposed object of the plot? 

335 — How many were burned ? Hung? Transported? 

336 83 What did Clark allude to in his speech? 

337 — When was George Clinton appointed governor? 

338 — "What happened in 1745 ? 

339 — When did peace take place T 

CHAPTER Vn. 

340 84 By whom was N'ew-Jerscy settled ? Wlien ? Where T 

341 — \Vhen and where did the Swedes and Finns settle? 

342 — Wliut happened in 1655? 

343 — What territory did ihe Dutch possess? 

344 — How was it taken from them ? 

345 85 To whom was it conveyed ? 

346 — To whom did the Duke convey New-Jersey ? 

347 _ Wliy was it so called ? 

348 — Who was the first governor? 

349 — What was the origin of the disputes that arose ? 

350 — Did the people revolt ? Did they submit? 

351 — To whom did Berkeley dispose of his right ? ■ 

352 — Who were appointed trustees to sell it ? 

353 — What partition was agreed on ? 

354 — Was a new patent granted to the Duke ? 

355 B6 On what did Andi-oss insist ? 

356 — What did he do ? 

357 — Recite the address to the commissioners. 

358 — What was their decision ? 

.^59 87 To whom was East- Jersey transferred in 1682? 

360 — Who was appointed governor over it ? 

361 — By whom were the Jerseys reunited? 

362 — When was Princeton College founded ? 

363 — What wa.s then the number of inhabitants ? 

i CHAPTER VIU. 

364 87 By whom was Deliware first settled? 

365 8S W'hat did they call the country ? 

366 — Where did tliey seat themselves? 

367 — Whv and where did they build forts? 

368 — ^^'^lere did the Dutch build a fort ? 

369 — In what manner did the Swedes gain possession of Ifi 

370 — What coursic did governor Stuyvesant pursue? 

371 — Hctw louir did tiie Dutch retain jossession? 

372 — Wfiat purchases did William Penn make ? 

373 — What name was given to the tracts purchased? 

A A2 



8 QUESTIONS. 

Qs. Pg. 

374 88 To what colony where they united? 

375 — When did a separation take place 1 

CHAPTER IX. 

376 89 Who was the founder of Pennsylvania 1 

377 — To what rehgious sect did he belong? 

378 — Why was the country granted to him 1 

379 — At what price was land sold 1 

380 — At what rate was it rented 1 

3S1 — In what year did the settlens leave England ? 

382 90 What jiosition did they select for a settlement ? 

383 — Wliat was the object of Penn'a frame of government T 

384 — Wiiat people, and how many, did he find upon the " territories" ? 

385 — Where was the first assembly held? 

386 — What city did Penn found ? 

387 91 For what qualities are the Pennsylvanians distinguished ? 

388 — What party did Penn adliere to at the time of the English roYO- 

lution .' 

389 — How was he treated ? 

390 92 Did he regain the favor of the king? 

391 — When did he again visit Pennsylvania? 

392 — What took place in 1701 ? 

393 — How was the executive authority afterwaCrds administered? 

394 — What caused the most irritation ? 

395 — Did the colony prosper ? 

396 — What took place at the commencement of the revolution? 

397 — What sum was paid in discliarge of quit rents ■* 

CHAPTER X. 

398 93 By whom was Maryland founded ? 

399 — To what religious sect did he belong ? 

400 — After whom wa? the colony named? 

401 — Who was appointed the first governor ? 

402 — When did the first settlers arrive ? Where ? 

403 — What laud did they purchase ? 

404 — What circumstances favored the rapid population of the coloay % 

405 94 When and how was a house of assembly formed? 

406 — What alteration was made in 1650 ? 

407 — What fact is honorable to Lord Baltimore an 1 Ids associates ? 

408 — What disturbance was produced ? By whom ? 

409 95 What was the result of the disturbances ? 

410 — What ordinance was passed by the victorious party ? 

411 — What was the number of inhabitants in 1660? 

412 — When did lord Baltimore die ? 

413 — What was his character ? 

414 — What occurred in 1689 ? 

415 96 Wliat directions did king William give ? 

416 — When was the proprietor restored to his rights ? 

417 — Wliat occuiTed at the commencement of the revolution? 

CHAPTER XI. 

418 96 \ATiat territory was granted, in 1630, to Sir Ro"bert Heath? 

419 — By what persons was a settlement formed north of Albemarle 

sound ? 

420 — What setJement was made in 1661 ? By whom? 

421 97 What grant was made in 1663? 

^2 — What assurances were given to emigrants ? 



taUESTlONSk -J 

Qs. Pg. 

423 97 \Vlio prepared a eonstitution Ibr the colony 7 

424 — What were the provisions of this constitution T 

425 — Was it acceptable to the inhabitants 1 

426 — Wliat settlement was made in 1670? 

427 — In which of the Carolinas, as now divided, was it made? 

428 98 Wliat was the character and conduct of Seth Sothel? 

429 — When was the constitution of Locke absogated ? 

430 — How were the two provinces a/lerwards governed 1 

431 — What emigrants came 'rl 1707 1 In 1710 1 

432 — What calamity fell upon them? 

433 99 Whither did the Tuscaroras emigrate? 

434 — What proceedings took place in 1729? 

435 — In what part of North-Carolina did thfi settlements increase most 
i rapidly ? 

CHAPTER XII. 

436 100 Wlien was the first settlement made at Port Royal t 

437 — Wlien was old Charleston founded ? 

438 — When did the freemen elect representatives 1 

439 — Wlien did they meet to elect them ? 

440 — Whence did emigrants come ? 

441 — When was the present city of Charleston founded? 

442 — What did the Proprietors direct in regard to the French yrotoi- 

tants ? 

443 — Was opposition made ? By whom? 

444 101 What did these protestants do ? 

445 — Why was John Archdale sent over ? 

446 — What did he effect ? 

447 — Wliat did Granville and Moore attempt? 

448 — What law was passed ? 

449 102 Wliat was the conduct of the lords and the queen? 

450 — What cxpfditions were undertaken in 1702 ? 

451 _ What occurred in 1706 ? \\aiat in 1715? 

452 103 VMiat sufferings were occasioned by the war with tlid Indiaos 

453 — What mcas ure did tlie assembly adopt ? 

454 — What emigrants were induced to come ? 

455 — What was their fate ? 

456 104 Wliat occurred in 1719 ? 

457 — How was the government afterwards administo^T 

458 — What occurred in 1738 ? 

459 105 Was the insurrection quelled ? 

460 — From what countries did emigrants come T 

„ CHAPTER Xm. 

461 105 Where is Georgia situated ? 

462 — What project was concerted in 1732? 

463 — To whom was Georgia granted ? 

464 106 What regulations did the Trustees provide ? 

465 — \\Tien did the first emigrants embark ? 

466 — Who wns placed at their head ? 

467 — What was the conduct of the Caroluiians ? 

468 — How many emigrants came the next year ? 

469 — What was the character of these emigrants ? 

470 — What offer was made to induce a different class to emigrate t 

471 — Where did the Germans settle ? Where the Scotoh? 
47€ — Who Made a visit to Georgia in l'(36 ? 

473 — What was his object ? 

474 — Who oouie two years afterwards ? 



10 QUESTIONS. 

Qs. Pg. 

475 107 In 1740, bow many emigrants had arrired? 

476 — What was the amount of benefactions T 

477 _ What expiedition did General Oglethorpe undertake t 

478 — Was it surcessful ? 

479 — What arterwards occurred ? 

480 108 What event occurred when Oglethorpe was marsbiag to attack 

the Spaniards ? 

481 — What expedient did he devise ? 

482 109 How did the invasion end? 

483 110 Wliat occurred in 1754? 

484 — What products were cultivated ? 

CHAPTER XIV 

485 110 In what year was the treaty between France and England coa 

eluded, wliich restored tranquility to America T 

486 — Whac was the number of inhabitants in the thirteen colonies f 

that period ? 

487 — Where were the English settlements '' Where the French 1 
438 — What des;u;n had the French in view ? 

489 — What did the company of English traders do? 

490 — What was the conduct of the French? 

491 HI Whom did governor Dinwiddle send as messenger to the French 

commander ? 

492 — What course did governor Dinwiddle takeon receiving the answer 1 

493 — What was the result of Washington's expedition ? 

494 — When was the Albany plan of union formed ? 

495 — What did this plan i)rovide ? 

496 112 Why was it rejected in England? Wliy in America? 

497 — Wliat expeditions were resolved upon in 1755 ? 

498 _ Relate the object and result of the expedition to Nova Scotia. 

499 _ Who commanded the expedition against Fort Du QuesneJ 

500 113 What was the result of the expedition ? 

501 114 Who commanded the expedition against Niagara? 

502 — Was he successful ? 

503 115 Who commanded the expedition against Crownpoint^ 

504 — Relate what happened to this expedition. 

505 116 Was it abandoned ? 

506 — What expeditions were proposed the next year ? 

507 _ Why was Massachusetts disgusted? How appeased? 

508 117 Who was appointed to succeed Shirlev? 

509 — Had war been declared between France and England? 

510 — Who was appointed commander-in-chief? 

511 — What post did general Montcalm take ? 

512 118 What had been accomplished in this campaign? 

513 — To what did the ministrj- direct the attention of lord Loudon? 

514 — Did he effect the object ? 

515 119 With what force did Montcalm besiege Fort William Henry ? 

516 — Where i?i that fort situated? 

517 — Who was sent to command it ? 

518 — Relate the circumstances and result of the siege. 

519 120 What effect had these disasters upon the British nation? 

520 — Whom did the king appoint prime minister ? 

521 — What expeditions were determined on for the next campaign? 

522 121 Who commanded that against Louisburg .' 

523 — Who served under him? 

524 — How did the siege terminate ? 

525 — What was the result of the attack on Ticonderoga? 
520 — What fort did colorisl Bradsfreet ca])ture? 

.527 122 Who commanded the expedition a{iiiin».t Du Quesne'' 



QUESTIONS. II 

Q«. Pg 

528 122 What disaster occurred to it^ 
«j2D — Was it successful 1 

530 •«- Where was the fort situated? 

531 — W'hat was the plan of the next campaign? 

532 — ^Vhat was the event of the expedition against Niagara ? 
t33 123 What success did general Amherst meet with ? 

534 — Who commanded the expedition agaiiit Quebec? 

535 — What was the condition of that place? 

536 — Wlien and where did Wolf land his army ? 

537 — Where does Quebec stand .' 

638 124 Where did a battle take place? W^hat the event ^ 

539 — What jdan did Wolf then form? 

540 125 In what manner did he gain the heights of Abraham? 

541 — What did Montcalm then do ? 

542 — What was tlie fate of Wolf ? Of Montcalm? 

543 126 What was the consequence of the battle ? 

544 — When was peace concluded ? 

545 — What did France cede to Great Britain ? 

CHAPTER XV. 

546 126 How much was added to the debt of England, in the late war? 

547 — Whence did her legislators seek assistance ? 

648 127 What relation was supposed to exist between the mother ceun* 
try and her colonies ? 

549 — What restrictions had Great Britain imposed? 

550 — What law was enacted in 1764 ? 
651 — What resolution was proposed ? 

552 — In what courts were penalties to be recovered ? 

553 — What measures did the colonies adopt? 

554 198 Recite the 8th and 9th sections. 

555 129 When was the stamp act proposed ? 

556 — What language was used in supporting it ? 
657 — Recite Col. Barre's speech. 

558 130 Did the bill pass ? 

659 — What took place in Virginia when the news arrived? 

560 131 What resolve was passed in Massachusetts ? 

561 — What was the name of the associations formed in New-England? 

562 — What occurred in Boston ? What in Newport ? 

563 132 How did the citizens of New-York conduct? 

564 — What title did they give to the stamp act? 

565 — When did the Congress assemble ? 

566 — What were the proceeduigs of ttiis Congress ? 

567 — What agreements were adopted ? 

568 133 What was proposed in the British parliament? 

509 — What did Mr. Grenville say ? ] 

570 — Recite William Pitt's speech. 

571 134 What were the proceedings of parliament ? 

572 135 Why were the people of New-England and New- York still dis- 

satisfied ? 

573 — For what causp was the assembly of New-Yoik suspended ? 

574 — What measure was adopted in June, 1767 ? 

575 — What course did the General Court of Massachusetts pursue? 

576 — How were they punished ? 

577 — What measures were then adopted in Massachusetts ? 

578 136 What step was taken by General Gage? 

579 137 State what resolutions had been adopted in Parliament? 

580 — Wlial re.sohuions were adopted in Virginia? 

581 — What did the governor do ? 

5S2 — What tlien ensued '. , -\ 



12 QUESTIONS. 

Qri. Pg. 

583 137 State what occurred in State-Street, Boston. 

584 138 To what place were the troops removed? 

585 — Wliat trials look place ? 

586 — Who defended the accused 1 
687 — Were they convicted ? 

588 139 What measure did parliament adopt ? 

589 _ Wliat alteration was made in the non-importation agreements? 

CHAPTER XM. 

590 139 Wliat causes contributed to increase the discontent which preri 

ously existed in Massachusetts? 

591 140 By whom were committees of correspondence recommended 1 

592 — What was the object and what the effect of them? 

593 — What letters did Dr. Franklin obtain and sfend overl 

594 — What effect did the.se letters have ? 

595 — What measure did the East India Company adopt ? 
696 — WTiat was done in Philadelphia and New- York ? 

597 141 What was the state of public feeling in Boston? 

598 — What resolution was ado])tedby the citizens? 

599 — What proceedings ibllowed '! 

600 — Recite Josiah Quincy's speech. 

601 142 What was done with the tea ? 

602 — What acts were passed by parUament ? 

603 143 How was the first day of June observed in Virginia? 

604 — What spirit was displayed by the citizens of S^em ? 

605 — What was recommended by the General Court of Massachusotts T 

606 144 Wlien did the delegates meet ? 

607 — What resolutions did they adopt ? 

608 — What effect had their proceedings on public sentiment abroad J 

609 145 Recite Mr. Pitt's speech. 

610 — By what names were the Americans distinguished ? 

611 146 What measures did governor Gage adopt? 

612 — When did a provincial Congress meet ? 

613 — What conciliatory proposition was adopted in parliamwttt 

614 — Did the Americans accept it ? 

615 147 When did the battle of Lexington take place? 

616 148 What was the result? What the effect? 

617 — What expedition was projected in Connecticut ? 

618 149 By whom was it executed? 

619 — What posts were taken ? 

620 — What British generals arrived in June ? 

621 — What proclamation was issued ? 

622 150 WTiy did the provincials resolve to occupy Bunker hlll^ 

623 — Who commanded the provincial troops ? 

624 — On what day was the battle fought ? 

625 151 Relate the principal events of the battle ? 

626 152 How many Americans were killed and wounded ? 

627 — How many British ? 

628 — Did the result dispirit the Americans ? 

629 — What eminent man was killed ' 

630 — Whai measures were adopted by the continental CongreM ? 

631 — Who was chosen commander-in-chief? 

632 153 What other officers were chosen ? 

633 — What mode was adopted to defVay expenses ? 

634 — What delaration was issued ? 

635 — Recite the extracts inserted. 

636 154 To what place did Washington repair? 

637 — How numerous did he find the army ? , 

638 V55 What occurred in Virginia? 



QUESTIONS. II 

Qfl. Pg. 

639 155 What in North-Carolina? 

WO 156 What in South-Carolina ? Wliat in Georgia T 

041 — What in New- York ? Who was made governor there? 

642 — What resolution, referring to him, was passed by Congress! 

643 — What was done and projected in 1775 I 

644 157 What was done in New-Hampsliire 1 

645 — What transactions occurred Vi October T 

646 158 How was the new arniv to be raised T 

647 — How many enlisted .' 

"* 648 — What works were erected in March T 
I 649 159 What did general Howe attempt? 
' 650 — Failing in this, what did he then determine ? 

651 — When was Boston evacuated] 

652 — To what place did the American army proceed T 

653 — Wliitlier did the British fleet steer I 

CHAPTER XVII. 

654 159 How many expeditions were despatched against Canada'' 

655 — What did governor Carleton do ? 

656 160 Who proceeded in advance? Why? 

657 — On whom did the chief command devolve T 

658 — What did colonels Allen and Brown attempt? 

659 — What was the fatecof Allen ? 

660 Itil What fortunate event occurred in October • 

661 — ^Vhat other victory was achieved? 

662 — When was St. John's surrendered ? 

663 — To what place did Montgomery then repair 7 

664 162 With how many men did he begin his march to Quebets 

665 — Who commanded the other expedition ? 

666 — IIow many did it consist of? 

667 — Describe their route 1 

668 — Were tlicir sufTcrings great ? 

669 163 When did they arrive at t^e French settlements T 

670 — When did he cross the river ? 

671 — Where did he encamp? 

672 — When did Montgomery arrive ? 

673 — To what did their united force amonnt T 

674 164 How strong were the enemy? 

675 — What did the general first determine ? 

676 — What disease broke out in the camp? 

677 — What was projiosed and resolved upon ? 

678 165 When was the city assaulted? 

679 — What r'isastrous event occurred ? 

680 — What happened to Arnold ? 

681 — Who assumed the command ? 

682 166 How did the attack terminate ? 

683 — Wliat was the amount of the American loss ? 

684 — Where was Montgomery's monument placed ? 

685 167 How far from the city did Arnold eiir,amp ? ' 

686 — When did general Thomas arrive from Roxbury t 

687 — What was then done ? 

688 — To what place did the Americans retreat ? 

689 168 WTiat occurred at the Cedars ? 

690 — Who succeeded general Thomas ? 

691 — Of how many did his army consist ? 

692 — lIow strong was the enemv ? 

693 — \Mierp did SuUivuii luilt • ' 



U aUESTIONS. 

CHAPTER XVIIL 

Qs. Pg. "* 

694 169 What reply was made when the last petition was presented to th 

king? 

695 — What treaties were made with German princes ? 

696 — What expedition was despatched in 1776 ? 

697 — Who was appointed commander of the British naval forces T 

698 — What preparations were made at Charleston ? 

699 170 Relate what occurred in the attack on Sullivan's island 1 

700 — What was the effect ot this battle ? 

701 171 What able pamphlet was published at this time ? 

702 172 Who proposed, in Copsrcss, a declaration of independence ^ 

703 — Who seconded the motion ? 

704 — Who were the committee appointed to prepare it ! 

705 — On what day was it adopted ? 

706 — Recite the 17th section. 

707 173 What was done at New-York? 

708 — How was the American army posted ? 

709 — Where did the British troops first land ? 

710 — How were the two armies posted on Long Island 1 

711 174 Describe the battle which took place. 

712 — Which gained the victory ? 

713 — Whither did Washington retreat ? 

714 175 Where did he take post in Septembc^ 

715 — What did the enemy then do ? 

716 — What calamity happened to the city ? 

717 — What plan of warfare did Washington adopt ? 

718 — To what place did he next repair ? 

719 — What was the result of the battle there fought ? 

720 — What fort was attacked ? 

721 — Where was it situated? 

722 176 Which gained the victory? 

723 — What then followed ? 

724 — What proclamation was issued ? 

725 177 To what place did Congress remove ? 

726 — With what fiower did they invest Washington? 

727 — What happened to general Lee ? 

728 — What was the behavior of the British ? 

729 — What brilliant victory was achieved ? 

730 178 What other exploit was performed ? 

731 — Who was among the wounded? 

732 — What followed? 

733 — What effect had these victories ? 

CHAPTER XIX. 

734 179 What spirit did Congress exhibit ? 

735 — What measures did they take ? 

736 — Who were sent commissioners to France f 

737 — What did the French ministry permit ? 

738 — Of what value were the prizes made by American privateers t 

739 180 What distinguished Frenchman joined the Americans! 

740 — What appointment did he receive ? 

741 — How were the American prisoners treated' 

742 181 To what place did Howe transjwrt his troops? 

743 — Whither did Washington march ? 

744 — Which gamed the victory at Brandywine creek? 
715 — What officer was woiim'ed ? 

f 4fi — To wh3t plaoe did Washington evpntually retreat T 
747 — When did Howe eiubv Fiiiladulphia ? 



QUESTIONS. » 

748 182 What was the resnlt of the battle on Lake ChamplainT 

749 — What expedition was concerted in the winter ? 

750 — By whom was it to be commanded 1 

751 — What American commanded the northern department! 
75*2 183 To what place did Burgoyne despatch St. Leger I 

753 — When did he appear before Ticonderoga ? 

754 — What was the nunibcr of liis army 1 

755 — When was Ticondt-roga evacuated 7 

756 — To what place did the Americans eventually retreat t 

757 — What intelligence was received from St. Leger 7 

758 184 What was the effect of the American proclEunation T 

759 — Whither did Burgo>i\e despatch Baum ? 

760 — Who commanded the American militia ? 

761 — Which gained the victory on tlie 16th of August? 

762 — What occurred afterwards i 

763 — What was the effect of the victory at Bennington ? 

764 185 What was the fate of St. Leger's expedition ? 

765 — Who were appointed to command the American army T 

766 — Describe the Srst battle of Stillwater. 

767 186 Describe the second. 

768 — What was done by general Vaughan ? 

769 — To what place did Burgoyne retreat! 

770 187 When did he surrender ? 

771 188 Describe the battle of Gennantown. 

772 — State the result of the assault upon Red bank and upon Fort Mifflui. 

773 — Where did Washington's army pass the winter I 

CHAPTER XX 

774 189 When was the Confederation adopted ? 

775 — What powers did it confer on Congress ! 

776 — What right did the states reserve '{ 

777 — Who was appointed inspector general T 

778 190 What treaties were made with France ? 

779 — What act was passed by the British parUament! 

780 — State what took place between the commissioners and Joseph Reed 

781 — What course did Great Britain pursue? 

782 191 When did the British army quit Philadelphia? 

783 — Did a battle take place soon after ? Where ? 

784 — Who commanded the Americans ? 

785 — WTiai was the result of the b.ittloT 

786 — ^^'hat charges were made against Lee I 

787 — What was his senience ? 

788 192 What assistance arrived from France ? 

789 — What enterprise was then projected ? 

790 — Who commemdod the American troops ? 

791 — What occurred at sea ? 

792 — What was Sullivan compelled to do T 

793 193 What towns were attacked and ravaged? 

794 — Relate what occurred at Tappan. 

795 — How and where did Washington's army pass the vnntftr* 

CHAPTER XXI. 

T96 194 By what was the campaign of 1779 distinguishod ? 
797 — What exneoition sailed from New-Yck ? 
yw — Wha: did ihe enemy effoct m Georgia? 
T9Q — Wha took connnand in the southara department ? 
too — Wha' oocurre*! ai Savannah ! 
601 195 What other e.\iH!dii.i'jn sailed from New-York? 

B B 



16 QUES110NS. 

Qs. Pg. 

808 — What tiid it accomplish ? 

803 — What, expedition did Clark undertake? 

804 — What was his success '. 

605 — What were the purpose and success of Sullivan's expoditioa f 

806 196 What towns wiere burnt in Connecticut ? 

807 — What exploit was performed by general Wayne ? 

808 — What naval battle was fought in September ? 

809 197 Where did the northern army pass th^ winter? 

810 — Were their sufferings great? 

811 — How much paper money had been issued? 

812 — How much had it (lei»reciated ? 

813 — What new mode w;2s adopted to supply tlie army? 

CHAPTER XXII. 

814 198 What place did ihe enemy besiege in the spring? 

815 — Who were the oj)|>o.sing commanders ? 
SI 6 199 What was the event of the siege 1 

817 — What exploit did colonel Tarleton perform ? 

818 — What conduct of general Clinton excited iudignationT 

819 200 What service did Suuipter render ? 

820 — Who led an army from the north? 

821 — Describe the battle near Camden. 

822 201 Wliat occurred at the Catawba ford? 

823 — What conduct did tjornwallis adopt ? 

824 — Who was a sucitessful leader of the patriots? 

825 — Who was appointed commander of the tories? 

826 202 Where was he posted ? 

827 — By whom was he attacked, and what was the reatdt t 

828 — Who was appointed to succeed Gates ? 

829 — Where was the nortltern army posted ? 

830 — What were their sulRsrings and conduct ? 

831 — What squadron and troops arrived in July T 

832 203 What project was disconcerted ? How ? 

833 — What disaffected Arnold ? 

834 — What plot did he meditate ? 

835 — With whom had he an interview T 

836 -- Relate the circumstances of Andre's capture? 

837 204 What was his conduct? What his fate? 
H38 205 How much did Arnold receive ? 

l$39 _ What occurred at Morristown ? 

1J40 _- What were the complaints of the soldiers < 

841 206 How was the mutiny appeased ' 

842 — What did the states do ? 

CHAPTER XXm. 

843 206 What project was resumed in the spring of 1781 1 

844 — What delayed its accomplishment? 

845 207 What commander fought the battle of the Cowpons T 

846 — What was the result ? 

847 — What did Cor^wallis attempt ? 
S48 — What occurred on the retreat ? 

849 208 Describe the engagement between Lee and the tories. 

650 209 Give an account of the battle at Guilford courthouse. 

S51 — Where did Greene halt? 

8.'>2 — Whither did Cornwallis proceed 7 

653 — Wliich was victorious at Hobktrk's hill'' 

854 — What ponts were cnpturfd m ?outh-Carolina^ 

biS 210 Wiiat was the event of the Sietie c>i Ninety »»ix » 



QtJESTlONS H 

Q«. Pg. 

856 211 Describe the battle of Eutaw. ' >i»li rj , 

bS7 — To what i»lace did Cornwallis repair T *:•• " 

858 — Why was* he recalled to the Bea-board? . . 

859 212 What posts did he fortify ? 

860 — What did Washington determine to do? 

861 — What expedition dirt CUnton despatch! 
662 — \M)al did it afcuiiiplish? 

863 213 What news did Washington receive at Chester? 

864 — or how many troops did the allied forces consist ? 

865 — When was the cannonade begun.' 
666 214 What occurred during the siege? 

867 — When did Cornwallis surrender ? 

868 — What was tlie number of i)ri8oners ? 

869 — What emotions did this victory produce in America? 

870 215 Wliat were the feelings of the British nation? 

871 — What of the king? 

872 — What opinion did the house of commons expnsM ? 

873 — Wlien were pacific overtures made ? 
674 — When did hostilities cease 1 

875 — \\1io were the American ministers? 

876 216 Wlio was the British minister? 

877 — When was the definitive treaty signed ? . ■.■■;■ 
678 217 Why were the American troops dissatisfied? ■<• , - 

879 — Wliat occurred at iSewbui^h? ■'r-~,^ 

880 — When was the army disbuuded? 5» 
t>81 218 When was New- York evacuated? 

882 — When did Washmgton resign his c«minission T 

883 — To wnat place did he retire ? 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

884 218 What was the slate of the country at the close of the vrar! 

885 — How much had national securities depreciated ? 

886 — What prevented tiie prosperity of commerce ? 

887 219 What o«'curred in Massachusetts ? 

^S — What was th*" result of the meeting at Annapolis 1 
689 220 What resolution did Congress adopt? 
890 — When did the convention meet? 

691 — Wlio WAS chosen president of it ? 

692 — Did they agree ujion a constitution ^ 

b9i3 — In what does this constitution ditfer fVorn the articles of oouftds- 

ralion 1 
8^ — What Ih said of the members of the house? 

895 — What of the senators ? 

896 — What «)f President ? 

897 221 What of the Vico-President ? , 

898 — What is required in passing a law ? ; 
699 — What powers are conferred on Congress ? 

900 — What is said of the judicial department ? 

901 — What objections were made to the Constitution? 

902 222 By what names were its friends and opposcrs styled ? 

903 — By how many states was it ratified ? 

904 — Who was elected first President? Who Vice-Presideat 1 

905 — When was the President inaugurated? 
900 223 What duties wore laid ? 

9(t7 — What departments were established ? 

908 — ^Vho were apjiointed secretaries? 

900 — What tour did the President make? 

#10 224 Wliai did Hamilton reconmiend ! 

VI 1 — For what rt;at;oiuj was his recommendatloti opposed! 



18 QUESTIONS. 

QsPg. 

912 234 Was it adopted ? What -was the amount of debt f\inded I 

913 225 Why were the duties on distilled spirits proposed I 

914 — When were they laid 1 

915 — When was the bank incorporated ? 

916 — When did Noith Carolina adopt the constitutiOQ t 

917 — When did Rhode Island ? 

918 — Where ia Vermont situated^? 

919 — By what states had the territory been claimed T 

920 — What did the inhabitants do in 1777 ? 

921 — In what year was Vermont admitted into the Union * 

922 — When was Kentucky admitted'/ 

923 226 When was the first census completed 1 

924 — What was the number of inhabitants 1 

925 — How many were slaves ? 

926 — State the amount of the revenue, imports, and exports. 

927 — When was the war with the Creeks terminated ? 

928 — With what tribes did war still exist ? 

929 — Who commanded the troops sent against them ? 

930 — State the circunistances and result of the battle. 

931 227 Who were next elected President and Vice-President? 

932 — What occurred in France, at this period? 

933 228 What were the feelings of the Americana and PYench? 

934 — Who was appointed minister to the United States '> 

935 — What authority did he assume 1 

936 229 What course did the President take? 

937 — Who was appointed to succeed St. Clair ? 

938 230 Was he successful ? 

939 — When and. where did he conclude a treaty? 

940 — Wliat produced discontent in Pennsylvania T 

941 — What meeting was held at Pittsburgh ] 

942 231 What measure did the President adopt? 

943 — Was the insurrection suppressed ? 

944 _ What difficulties existed with England ? 

945 — When did Mr. .lay conclude a treaty ? 

946 232 What appeared to be public sentiment in relation to it*/ 

947 _ Did the President ratify it ? 

948 _ What had been the conduct of Spain ? 

949 — What did she deny to the western people ? 

950 233 When was a treaty with her concluded ? 

951 — What privilege did it secure? 

952 — When was a treaty concluded with Algiers? 

953 — When did Mr. Jefferson resign ? 

Q5i 234 When did Hamilton ? When did Knox ? 

955 — Wliat was the conduct of Fauchet ? 

956 235 Who was appointed minister to France ? 

957 — What did France wish ? 

958 — What measures did she adopt ? 

959 — Who was ajipointed minister to France in 1796 f 

960 236 What determination did Washington form ? 

961 — State the substance of his farewell address. 

962 — ^\'^lo were brought forward as eandidates for the presidency T 

963 — Wlio were chosen President and Vice President ? 

CHAPTER XXV. 

964 237 What was the purport of the despatthes received from Fmnce? 

965 — What laws were passeit ? 

966 — Wuo were appoimed envoys to France? 

967 — What was the condnrt of the Directory? 

968 238 What whs done by Congress ? 



QUESTIONS. 19 

Q». P«. 

969 238 \Vlio was appointed to command the anny ? 

970 — What naval buttles were (ought .' 

971 — When was peace concluded ? 

972 — When did Washington die' 

973 — Wnar were the proceedings of the house? 

974 239 What of the senate? 

975 24l) When did Congress first meet at Washington T 

976 — Who were the candidates for President and Vice-President* 

977 — How was the choice made? 
' 978 — Who were elected '! 

979 — What causes rendered Mr. Adams unpopular! 

980 241 What was done at the next session of Congress! 
, 981 — Whon wan the sucond census taken ! 

982 — Wliat was the numlwr of inhabitants? 

983 — How much had it increased in ten years ! 

984 — How much had the exports increased! 

985 — How much the revenue? 

986 — To what should this prosperity be attributed! 

987 — When was Ohio adTnitted ? 

988 — When was the right of doposfte at New-Orleans prohibited T 

989 — What proposition was made in Congress ? 

990 — What course was adopted ? 

991 242 What was the price paid for Lousiana! 

992 — By whom and when was Lousiana discovered ! 

993 — When ceded to Spain ? 

994 — When reiroceded to France ! 

995 — What were the inhabitants ? 

996 — What occurred in the harbor of Tripoli ! 

997 — What exploit did lieutenant Decatur perf )nn! 

998 243 What project did general Eaton undertake ! 

999 — Describe his route. 

1000 — When did he arrive at Deme ? 

1001 244 What ensued at that city? 

1002 — What arnmgement was made ? 

1003 — Relate what occurred in New- York in 1804. 

1004 — Who were chosen President and Vice-President iD 1804 ! 

1005 245 Of what was iJarr suspected in 1806? 

1006 — Was he a])prehended ? 

1007 — Whon and where was he tried ! 

1008 — What was the verdict of the jury! 

1009 — What was tlie state of Europe at this period ! 

1010 246 Wliat advantn^e did America derive! 

1011 — What right did Great Britain claim? 

1012 — What aggressions were committed by British cruizersT 

1013 — State the pui'tort of the Briti^jh orders, dated in 1806: 

1014 247 What decree was issued at Berlin ? 

1015 — What was the ell'ect of these measures! 

1016 — What event occurred in .lune, IS07 ? 

1017 — What measures did the President adopt? 

1018 — What course did the British government take! 

1019 348 Wliat imj.>ortant law was enacted? 

1020 — What measures were adopted by Great Britain? 

1021 — What by Bonaparte ? 

1022 — What effect had the embargo upon the people of New-EngHwrfl 

1023 249 Mr. .Tefferson declining, who was elected president! 

1024 — Who Vice-President ? 

1025 — What law was substituted for the embargo ! 

1026 — What arrangement was made with Erskine ! 

1027 — Was it ratiriod by Great Britain ?^ 

J038 360 Did Great Britain persist in her ahflrjendly oonduot I 
B B2 



20 QUESTIONS. 

Qs. Pg. 

1029 250 What occurred on the coasts of Virginia ? 

1030 — Wliat did Mr. Foster propose ? 

1031 251 How many vessels had been captured since 1803, by British 

cruizers ? 

1032 — What did the President recommend ? 

1033 — What laws were enacted ? 

1034 — Relate what occurred at Tippecanoe. 

1035 252 What was the object of John Henry's mission T 

1036 — Did he meet with any success ] 

1037 — When was war declared ? 

1038 — For what reasons was it condemned? 

*, CHAPTER XX^l. 

1039 253 Who was appointed comraander-in-chieft 

1040 — What other generals were appointed] 

1041 — When did Hull invade Canada? 

1042 254 What events occurred in that quarter ? 

1043 — Who led an expedition towards the territory of Michigan T 

1044 255 For what purpose was an army assembled on the frontier? 

1045 — Who commanded this army 1 

1046 — What post was assaulted? With what success ? 

1047 256 Who succeeded Van Rensselaer? 

1048 — What abortive attempts did he make? 

1049 — What was done by general Dearborn ? 

1050 257 Describe the battle between the Constitution and Guerrieie. 

1051 258 Wliat other naval victories were gained? 

1052 — What was the number of prizes made during the first seren 

months of \ he war ? 

1053 259 Who were elected President and Vice-President in 1812J 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

1054 259 Wliat terms were offered to the British government J 

1055 — Why were the propositions of Great Britain rejected* 

1056 — What measures did Congress adopt ? 

1057 200 What took place at French town? 

1058 261 To what place did Harrison march ? 

1059 — By whom was iort Meigs invested ? 

1060 — \^1iat did general Clay attempt ? 
lOfil — What success did he meet with? 
1062 — How did the siege terminate? 
1003 — Describe the attack upon York. 
1064 262 ^^'^lat general was killed there ? 
10C5 — Wliat fort was next attacked ? 

]006 — What generals were made prisoners at Stoney creek? 

1067 — Wiiat other misjbrlune followed? 

1068 263 What post was attacked by the British? 

1069 — Who conunanded there? 

1070 — What was the event of the attack ? 

1071 — What occurred on the sea-coast? 

1072 264 Describe the naval action fought February 23rd. 

1073 — Describe the action between the Chesapeake and Shannon 

1074 265 Wlwt were the last wortfs of Lawrence ? 

1075 — How was the victory received in England? 

1076 — What other co.itests took place at sea ? 

1077 266 Describe the affair at fort Stephenson. 

1078 — Wliat present did colonel Croghan receive ? 

1079 — Who wore the resfRxtive commanders on lake ErreT 

1080 2G7 What words were inscribed on Perry's flag ? 



QUESnONfl. ft 

Qa. Pg. 

1081 207 Relate the events of the battle 

1082 — Recite Perry's letter to Harrison. 

1083 — What did Harrison effect ? 

1084 268 Who was appointed to command the army of the jentro* 

1085 — Wliat orders did he receive ? 

1086 — What occurred whde descending the St. Lawrence / 

1087 — Why was the project abandoned 1 

1088 269 WTiat offer was made by the emperor of Russia ! 

1089 — Who were appointed commissioners 1 

1090 — What laws were passed by Congress 1 

1091 — What spirit was displayed by the southern Indians T 

1092 270 What occurred at fort Mimms ? 

1093 — Describe the battle at Tallushatchie ; at Talladega; at Emudk 

faw ; at Tohopeka. 

1094 271 What occurred at the Hickory grotmdT 

1095 — Recite Wetherford's speech. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

1W6 272 What bounty was offered to recruits? 

1097 — What communication was received froin Great Britain' 

1098 — Was the proposition accepted? 

1099 — Who were apijointcd additionEri commissioners? 

1100 — What occurred at the river La Cole ? 

1101 — Who was appointed to succeed Wilkinson ? 

1102 — What events had recently occurred in Europe ? 

1103 — How were these events advantageous to Great Britain * 

1104 273 Which party was victorious at Chippewa? 

1105 — Relate the events of the battle of Bridgewater. 

1106 274 What step did general Ripley take? 

1107 — By how many troopsJ was fort Erie invested T 

1108 — \Vhat was the event of the assault made by the anecny T 

1 109 — What of the sortie made by the besieged ? 

1 1 10 275 Wlien weis the siege abandoned ? 

1111 — When did general Izard arrive fram Plattsburght 

1112 — What expecUtions proceeded from Canada? 

1113 — What was the object of each ? 

1 1 14 — What took place at the ford ? 

1115 276 What was the result of tlte battle »n the lake? 

1116 — What did the British army then do ? 

1117 — What actions occurred at sea ? 

1118 277 Where were great exertions made for defence? 
1110 — When did the main body of the enemy land? 

1120 — Where did the Americans make a stand? 

1121 — What occurred thert / 

1122 — Whither did general Winder retreat? 

1123 — When did the enemy enter Washington? 

1124 278 What was their conduct their? 

1125 — What took place at Alexandria ? 

1126 — What did Ross next undertake? 

1127 — What was his fate ? 

1128 279 How was the fleet received? 

1129 — What was the event of this expedition? 

1130 — Whon did the convention meet at Hartford ? 

1131 — What was enumerated and proposed in their addrtM 

1132 280 What information was received from Ghent? 

1133 — What measures did Congress adopt? 

1134 — Who performed the duties of Secretary of War! 

1135 — Who was appointed Secretary of tha Treasury t 

1136 — What force arrived at Peneacola ? 



ft QUESTIONS. 

Qs. Ps. 

1137 280 What was It permitted to da* 

^139 — What did geiteral Jack«wi .lo T 

J139 — What infonrmtinn did he r.jceive at Mobil*? 

J 140 — What step dW he then take T 

1041 — Wliat did he find the oondition of New-Orleans ? 

1 142 281 Waat was \m conduct 1 

1143 — Where did the enemy lake a pociition, Dceember 22ii<lf 

1144 — What OGGurfed in the evening of the 23rd? 
i 145 282 Where did Jackson erect fortifications ' 

1146 — Were these assanlted ? With what success? 

1147 — When was the last assauit made .' Descrih« it. 

1148 — What was the amount ot loss on each side? 

• 1 149 283 Wliat took place on the Avist side of the river ? 

' 1150 — What course did eeneral Lambert then take! 

1151 — When was peace concluded? 

1152 — What were the provisions of the treaty I 

1153 — Wlmt victories were achieved at »ea J 

APPENPIX, 

1154 2S4 By what was the era of the settlement of this rauntry distm^ 

guished 1 

1155 — What distinguished the country whence the settlers eameT 

1 156 — To what class did they belong i 

1157 — What powerful establishments existed in Europe T 

1 158 — What conduct did they pursue ? 

1159 — Were these establishments transferred to America? 

1 160 285 What doctrine prevailed jn Europe ^ 

1161 — What was the nature and consetjuence of this doctrine / 

1162 — What is meant by the law of priiuo^jeniture 1 
1162 — What was the operation of this law ? 

1164 — Does this doctrine, or this law, exist jn the United States ? 

1165 — What is said of the systems of government eatablished in tho 

colonies ? 

1166 286 In what is the contrast greatest between the European and 

American systems of government ? 

1167 -— What does the jnihtary peace estabUshmWt q( Great Britain 

cost 1 

1168 -- Wliat that of tho United States ? 

J 169 — What the resi)ective naval establishments? 

1170 — What do British subjects pay individually In taxes? 

1171 — What do tl\ose of the United States pay ? 

1 172 — In what pursuits are the greatest portion pf the inhabitants tstr 

gaged ? 

1 173 — What is produced in the northern states T 

1174 — What in the middle and western ? 

1175 — What in the southern ? 

1176 — What number was engaged in agriculture In 1820? 

1177 — What value of agricultural products was exported? 

1178 — State the value of the principal articles. 

1179 287 What iircumstances contj-ibiited to tie prosperity •f oona- 

merce ? 

1180 — State the increase of oUi tonnsge and revenue. 

1181 — How many were engaged in commerce ja 1820 ? 

1182 — What was the amoxmt of exports an<J ijTiporl* in 1823 1 
■1183 — What in 1807? 

3084 — Why has compierce declin«d T 

tJ8$ ?88 How eariy did the cod fifih 17 on the American soast attni^ 



QUESTIONS n 

€l8. Pg 

] 186 288 How masy ships and seamen did the Frendi emTvloy la tt, In 
1744 ] 

1187 — What qufflitity of fish did they take ? 

1188 — In 1760, how many vessels wore fitted out firoai the port* of 

New-England 1 

1189 — How many seamen were employed! 

1190 — What is seiid in relation to the negotiation of the pesce of 

1783? 

1 191 — What estimate has been made in relation to these fisheiiea t 
1 ] 92 — What was their annual value .' 

1193 — Why important to the nation? 

1194 — What is said of the whale fishery T 

1195 289 State the value of the products of this flflhery exported in 1607 f 

In 1823? 

1196 — Recite the extract from Burke's speech. 

1197 — What is said of manufactures] 

1098 200 What gave the first impulse to this branch of induatrjT 

1 1 99 — What was the amount of manufhctures in 1814 ? 

1200 — Which are the principal manufacturing states ? 

1201 — Wliich the principal manufactures? 

1202 — How many were engaged in manufactures in 1820 T 
12<!3 291 What was the amount of the debt in 1790? 

1204 — What in 1812? 

1205 — How much was contracted in the last war ! 

1206 — What wp.s the amount in 1823? 

1207 — From what is the revenue principally derived? 

1208 — In 1822, how much accrued from commerce? 

1209 — How much from the sale of lands? How much from otbw 

sources ? 

1210 — What was the amount of expenditures in 1892! 

1211 — What was the excess of revenue over expenditures! 

1212 — What course has been pursued in Europe, in relation to edu- 

cation ? 

1213 — \N'hat in the United States ? 

1214 292 What law was passed in 1647, in relji»lon to schools? 

1215 — What was done when the inhabitants increased? 

1216 — Wiia* is the amount of the sciiool fund in Connecticut ? 

1217 — How is the interest apropriated ? 

1218 — What has been the effect of this system! 

1219 — What is the amount of the school ftuid in New-York ' 

1220 — ITow is the interest appropriated ? 

1221 — How many scholars were taught there in 1823 1 
13C2 — What is said of education in Virginia? 

1223 293 Wliat ha^ tlie national government done In reIan«Q t» edu- 

cation? 

1224 — What is said of Academics ! 

1225 — WTien was Harvard College founded ? Where? 

1226 — How many volimics does the library contain* 

1227 — Wlien was Yale College fo'mdedT 

1228 294 Where is it established ? 

1229 — How many volumes does its libraries contain ' 

1230 — How many otner colleges are there in the Union* 

1231 — What are taught in all ? 

1232 — What in addition arc taught iii some of them! 

1233 — What remarli has been made of the United States ? 

1234 — Is it just? 

1235 — What direo^on has been given to talents in the United Slatas 

1236 205 WTiat celebrated inventors may America boast of? 

1237 — Who are her eminent historians ? Theological writers! 

1238 — What political writings are spoken of • 



ft 



M QUESTIONS. 

^ J839 2i>5 What In said of American painters? 

1940 2% VVtieie a'e c'oiif;iv'y;ationalist.s most numerous? 

1241 — Wtiere Presbyterians ? Where Methodists? Where Kotnai) 

CiitholiuH ? 
1842 — Wliat ar» the distiMguishin).' traits of Uxe American charad** 
J243 — What in said ot tiio manne-s of Americans? 
I2'U 2i^7 How often does the po|>ul<ition of the Untied States doublet 

1245 — How otkiM that of Grcut V,niAi\ 1 

1246 — Has the augmciitation of wenlt>» «n«^ pr^w^r ^ef>^^ mi rapid? 

1247 — What circiim$!tajicen indicate that ihe lJnil«Hl Mt»te« will cmi 
tinue to pro^pei- ? 

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